A new research project helmed by the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) Center for Space Engineering called "CleanSpace One" mission is a cleanup drive, which aims to eliminate the increasing amount of space junk. To remedy the problem on safely tracking, collecting and disposing of the satellites that have outlived their usability, researchers opted the use of "Pac-Man" spacecraft.
So, what is a "Pac-Man" spacecraft? Here are 5 interesting things to know about outer space's future garbage collector.
1. The "Pac-Man" spacecraft is a space capsule with a big conical net extending from the front that closes as soon as it gobbles up the satellite. According to NBC News, its target is a CubeSat known as SwissCube, which measures only 4 inches to a side.
2. The mechanism of the spacecraft in collecting space junk is similar to the iconic video game character that chomps on dots. Engadget revealed the cone-shaped net that unfolds and closes back down is a more reliable alternative and offers a larger margin of maneuvering than a claw or an articulated hand.
3. After the CleanSpace One's "Pac-Man" Spacecraft gobbles up all the cubes, it will de-orbit and burn everything up on the way back down to earth. However, the operation will be tricky since just looking for the 4-inch by 4-inch satellites is going to be a tough job. Since the cube reflects light differently at various points on its surface and it isn't easy to see, the "Pac-Man" technique requires a carefully honed software before any launch.
That's why researchers built a high-dynamic-range camera and image processing system that can spot bright reflections coming off the SwissCubes as they orbit in space, as stated by Wired. Additional care should also be considered because if the net doesn't deploy, the cubes could bounce off the cleanup satellite and end up in a worse spot than before.
4. To avoid the aforementioned disaster, scientists are cautiously analyzing the visual approach algorithms on the cleanup satellite's cameras. And for accuracy, experts have to contemplate a variety of parameters including the angle of the sun's illumination, CubeSat's physical data and the relative speed at which it is moving. Daily Mail added they should also take into consideration all the unpredictability involved in the measurement and the speed of its own rotation.
5. The system has already passed the prototype stage. Researchers, on the other hand, are still working on advance development and further trials. If everything will go according to plan, the "CleanSpace One" mission could launch its "Pac-Man" spacecraft in 2018, Popular Mechanics has learned.
Meanwhile, Swiss space experts really wanted to eradicate the threats of the existing space garbage, which put satellites and astronauts at risk for junks with speeds of up to 15,000 mph, they settled to launch the "CleanSpace One" mission soon.
