Through SpaceWERX's new Orbital Prime opportunity, the US Space Force is looking for unique ways to clear up the rising space debris problem in low Earth orbit in just two to four years.
According to NASA's most recent assessment, millions of debris particles are tracked as they circle Earth. The objects may reach speeds of up to 17,500 mph, causing damage to satellites and spacecraft.
US Space Force's 'Orbital Prime' to Clear Up Space Junk
Vice Chief of Space Operations Lt. Gen. David Thompson said in a video obtained by Space.com that the purpose of Orbital Prime is to collaborate with inventive minds in business, academia, and research institutions to enhance and deploy cutting-edge technology and operational principles in the fields of debris mitigation and removal.
NASA said the Space Force's request for collaborations comes only weeks after Russia's anti-satellite test in November created so much debris that the probability of attacks on the International Space Station has grown significantly.
In November, the crew of the orbiting complex was compelled to seek refuge in their return vessel while ground control, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, assesses or dodges debris.
While there are over 20,000 trackable bits of space debris, the Space Force is also concerned about the number of tiny particles (such as screws or paint specks) that cannot be tracked.
Industry experts have cited the growth of large-scale satellite constellations as another possible danger to space debris mitigation, citing SpaceX's Starlink constellation as an example, which has created multiple near-misses in recent months.
Project Not New; What Makes Orbital Prime Unique?
Industry experts have cited the growth of large-scale satellite constellations as another possible danger to space debris mitigation. SpaceX's Starlink constellation is an example, which has created multiple near-misses in recent months.
The challenge that the Space Force is attempting to tackle isn't new. However, with space becoming a more valuable commodity and what appears to be a spate of new enterprises receiving money for launches, there isn't much room left in an already congested area.
According to Thompson, the situation necessitates solutions that recycle, repurpose, or eliminate space trash. The initiatives must also destroy materials as large as a defunct satellite down to centimeter-sized ones.
He added that we must develop new answers to these difficulties for the space sector's long-term safety, security, and sustainability.
Until February 17, the Space Force is seeking proposals for investment possibilities. Those chosen for a Phase I contract are expected to receive a payment of $250,000.
If you ever want to keep track of all the "stuff in space," an interactive map may be found here.
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