Deorbit Systems

MMA’s next-generation dragNET De-orbit system consists of heritage, compactly stowed, thin-film membranes that package in a shoebox-sized volume that, once deployed, create the drag necessary to passively deorbit a spacecraft, launch vehicle or another space asset. The dragsail is deployed utilizing the stored strain energy of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy elements and deploys to an effective sail area of approximately 12.5m².

To limit the stowed volume impact the system may have on a spacecraft, the dragNET (both heritage and next generation) is designed to fit within the keep out zones of a 15” motorized lightband and protrude no more than 5.5” into the internal volume of an ESPA ring. Although, designed for this specific separation system, the mechanism can be readily scaled for different separation systems or for any mounting location on a space asset. The table below shows deorbit time estimates for the dragNET based on detailed analysis of how the system may scale for different applications.

Like the original, shown at left, the next-generation dragNET system uses MMA’s thin-film membranes, composite parts, and flight heritage deployable mechanisms but greatly reduces the parts count, system complexity, and ultimately, cost as compared to our heritage deorbit system while still ensuring high reliability. Indeed at half the parts count and half the cost of the first generation system, the NG dragNET makes space sustainability accessible to any mission. And, the dragNET’s relatively simple interface makes integration on a spacecraft or launch vehicle easy, even late in development.

As with the heritage dragNET, the updated system only requires a single actuation event to deploy the uniform sail via passive strain energy stored in the stowed elements. The simple deployment and the passive nature of the subsequent deorbit conserves precious mission resources such as propulsion for critical mission operations.

With multiple spacecraft successfully deorbited within the 5-year-rule under its belt, the dragNET defines the state-of-the-art in passive, dragsail deorbit systems. Compared to similar dragsail systems, the dragNET crushes the competition with a 230X area gain ratio (12.5m² deployed, 0.054m² stowed footprint). It is effective at any inclination in LEO, has a robust sail design that is ensured to avoid tangling or other complications, and, because it deploys close to the spacecraft, a more controlled deployment and deorbit is possible.

The dragNET De-orbit System architecture could also be used for other applications such as a shield, solar sail or sunshade. With these applications, the membrane material and/or coating will be changed to suit the mission but the architecture and CONOPS will be the same.

For MMA, sustainability is a mindset we exercise in our business operations and, since our first dragNET took flight in 2013, simple yet effective deployable deorbit solutions are as well. Given the increase in regulatory, industry, and public sentiment to prioritize space sustainability, MMA has been — and is — ahead of its time.

Urgency of Space Sustainability

Thousands of metric tons of debris are already buzzing around us in low Earth orbit, and an ever-increasing demand for new satellites will continue to generate more space debris. This reality poses a significant risk to critical functions on which humans typically forget we rely on space assets — such as internet, cell phones, banking systems… not to mention key military security operations, and manned space flight.

Towards the end of 2022, the FCC unanimously passed a new ruling which requires satellites in LEO to deorbit no later than five years after their mission is complete. This new rule drastically shortens the previous NASA guideline of 25 years, confirming the urgency of the space debris problem, and the immediate need for its mitigation.