Drag-Brake Deorbiting System

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop a low-cost, low-impact, highly reliable membrane-based Drag-Brake Deorbiting Systems (DBDS). The DBDS will be designed to be attached to spacecraft prior to launch, or, attached to on orbit assets using a servicing vehicle. In operation the DBDS dramatically increases the drag area of a spacecraft to accelerate its deorbit at end-of-life. Provisions are included to allow the DBDS to operate autonomously, able to deploy and deorbit a spacecraft that is no longer communicating or has failed entirely even if the spacecraft is tumbling uncontrollably. The DBDS is passively stable which minimizes system complexity and ensures reliable operation. PSIs innovations in membranes, nano-fiber rip-stop technologies, and electronics miniaturization ensure that the proposed system will meet all of the Air Forces requirements. BENEFIT: PSIs proposed DBDS will play a critical role in reducing orbital debris. By providing a mechanism to deorbit end-of-life spacecraft the DBDS will ensure that useful orbits are vacated, and minimize the possibility of orbital debris cased by hyper velocity impacts on the spacecraft, or explosion of the vehicle. The DBDS will allow R&D spacecraft to be compliant with DoD Instruction 3100.12, Space Support, Section 6.4, Spacecraft End-Of-Life requirements.