DEOS - The German Robotics Approach to Secure and De-Orbit Malfunctioned Satellites from Low Earth Orbits

Abstract

There are many concepts how to serve and lift malfunctioning satellites from their operational orbit to avoid large scale damage caused by uncontrollable satellites. For many years now Germany has been developing robotic techniques especially to handle its spacecraft to the very end of life – just until their disposal. The German approach is based on berthing techniques using a manipulator system accommodated on a servicing satellite (Servicer) operated semi-autonomously and from Earth.