Imagine a satellite that can pull itself out of orbit using a long, conductive ribbon instead of expensive fuel. This ribbon acts like a magnetic brake, interacting with Earth's magnetic field to slow the spacecraft down. Once it slows down enough, it falls into the atmosphere and burns up safely, cleaning up space junk without needing a gas tank.
Satellite operators face increasing pressure to remove space debris to avoid the Kessler syndrome, but traditional chemical propulsion for deorbiting is expensive, heavy, and complex to implement.
A flight-ready 12U deorbit device featuring a 500-m electrodynamic tether, a deployment mechanism, and a heater-less electron emitter.
If you are a satellite developer dealing with strict end-of-life disposal regulations — this project developed a 12U deorbit device that removes the need for expensive chemical propellants. It allows your spacecraft to be eliminated during re-entry without adding complex fuel systems.
If you are a logistics company dealing with the Kessler syndrome and orbital congestion — this project developed electrodynamic tether technology that can be used for deorbiting or re-boosting. This provides a propellant-less way to manage spacecraft altitude and clear debris.
If you are a hardware supplier dealing with the need for miniaturized space components — this project developed a heater-less electron emitter and miniaturized avionics. These components can be integrated into various electric propulsion applications beyond just tethers.
Based on available project data, the specific unit price is not mentioned, but the project received an EU contribution of EUR 2,499,513 to mature the technology.
The project is preparing a flight-ready device for an in-orbit demonstration in 2025, moving from a TRL 4 prototype toward a pre-commercial state.
The technology is primarily owned by three universities (UC3M, UNIPD, TUD), and the project is developing consortium structures for commercialization, such as Joint Ventures, startups, or technology licensing.
The project aims to have a ready-to-fly device for an in-orbit demonstration in 2025.
The device is designed as a 12U module with a mass of 24 kg, making it compatible with small spacecraft standards.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercial transition, consisting of 6 partners across 3 countries (DE, ES, IT). It maintains a 50% industry ratio with 3 industrial partners and 3 universities, ensuring a direct link between academic IP generation and market application. The presence of two large companies (SENER Aeroespacial and RFA) acting as the product developer and end-user significantly reduces market entry risk.
Contact Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for propellant-less deorbiting hardware.
