Space Debris Orbit Modification Using Chemical Propulsion Shepherding

SysNova is an ESA's technology assessment scheme using "technology challenges" and competitions to survey a comparatively large number of alternative solutions. The COBRA concept was proposed as a solution to one of the challenges, and was declared the winner of the SysNova competition. The COBRA project is a feasibility study of an active debris removal concept which relies on contactless technology to modify the orbit of a space debris object. A DeltaV of 50 m/s needs to be imparted on a 100 kg space debris object. Momentum is imparted on the debris object using the exhaust plume of a monopropellant hydrazine propulsion system. The mission concept uses a standard satellite bus with a modified payload bay to suit mission needs.