Space Trash De-orbiter System (STDs)

The Space Trash De-orbiter System (STDs) is an active debris removal mission designed to improve the long-term sustainability of low Earth orbit by rapidly de-orbiting defunct satellites. The concept uses a Falcon 9-launched kick stage to transport multiple Space Trash De-orbiter modules into nearby target orbits, where each module can phase with, dock to, and de-orbit a selected piece of space debris. The team developed the mission architecture, orbital transfer and phasing strategies, kick-stage and de-orbiter designs, propulsion requirements, and re-entry approach, with the goal of completing multiple debris-removal missions from a single launch while ensuring the carrier stage can also safely dispose of itself at the end of the mission.