DeCAS

Project "DeCAS" data sheet

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 Project objective

In the last decade the space debris issue is being in the spotlight, with more than 13,000 artificial objects currently orbiting around the Earth, including almost 1,700 operating satellites, most of which are destined to re-enter the atmosphere and hopefully burn out. Unfortunately, on average 10-40% of satellite mass survives re-entry and impacts the Earth’s surface, posing serious hazard to both people and their property. The increasing risk led space agencies to impose progressively stricter regulations, but currently it is impossible to precisely predict the impact area of surviving fragments. In case of high perceived risks, authorities are forced to close large airspace supposedly concerned, with costs in the range of several millions. Aviosonic has developed and patented DeCAS, a small “black-box” device that is mounted on satellites and allows to track and model in real time the trajectory of the fragments and their impact area. DeCAS will enable safety agencies to be promptly notified about potential danger for people or property, with a highly precise overlay map of the dangerous area. The DeCAS system is directed to satellite operators/manufacturers, so as to significantly reduce risks associated to the re-entry phase, support them in being compliant with space agencies’ regulations, and reduce the high insurance premiums similarly to black boxes in the automotive sector. The DeCAS system has been tested during the D-SAT space mission in 2017, thus validating the software functionalities and performances. During Phase 1, we will define the most suitable hardware components to assess the compliance with market requirements. We will also consolidate the business model and perform a cost-benefit analysis so as to quantify the economic savings for the customers. The launch in the market is planned in 2021, starting with medium-size European satellites operators/manufacturers (50-500 Kg) and then moving to large satellites and other key market areas.