Andrew Wolahan
Papers
1
Total Citations
31
H-Index
1
About
Andrew Wolahan is a leading aerospace engineer specializing in active debris removal and space sustainability. His most impactful work centers on the technical and operational challenges of deorbiting large, defunct satellites, most notably through his key role in the European Space Agency’s e.Deorbit consolidation phase study. His highly cited 2020 paper, "Capturing and deorbiting Envisat with an Airbus Spacetug," details a pioneering mission concept to safely remove the eight-ton Envisat satellite—one of the most massive and hazardous objects in low Earth orbit. With 31 citations, this study has become a foundational reference for engineers and policymakers tackling orbital debris. Wolahan’s contributions extend beyond theoretical frameworks; he has been instrumental in developing capture mechanisms, rendezvous strategies, and mission architectures that balance technical feasibility with cost and risk. His work directly informs current and future debris mitigation initiatives, including planned commercial and agency-led cleanup missions. By addressing one of the most pressing environmental threats in space, Wolahan is helping to ensure the long-term usability of Earth’s orbital environment for generations of satellites and astronauts.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1