Reshetnev University in Krasnoyarsk (SibGU) is developing braking propulsion systems for deorbiting small spacecraft (SCA) from orbit into the dense layers of the atmosphere, where they will burn up. This will help reduce the amount of space debris.
Most spacecraft last 3–5 years and remain in orbit after their service life, posing a threat to other spacecraft, including the ISS. The new engine, which runs on environmentally friendly gaseous fuel (oxygen and methane), will reduce the speed of satellites and transfer them to lower orbits for safe disposal.
To solve this problem, we have begun developing small-sized braking propulsion systems of a special type that reduce the speed of the SCA, transfer them to low orbits, where, under the influence of the Earth's gravity, they will enter the dense layers of the atmosphere and subsequently burn up.
The engine is manufactured using 3D printing from a heat-resistant alloy.
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