KHI: Space debris removal satellite plan: Completed installation of ground station
Kawasaki Heavy Industries: Space debris removal
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has installed a ground station for the operation of space debris removal satellites at the Gifu Plant.
Installation of ground station: Space dust removal demonstration satellite
Kawasaki Heavy Industries will launch the Space Waste Removal Demonstration Satellite (hereinafter, Demonstration Satellite) in 2020.
This ground station is in charge of operations such as sending commands and receiving data for demonstration tests.
Cooperation with various satellites (other than our products)
Data transmission / reception with satellite
Analysis and provision of satellite data
Development history:
Since 2011, we have been developing space debris removal technology.
Until now, the upper stage of the rocket launched by Japan is the target of removal.
Future plan: Demonstration test
In 2020, we will launch a self-developed demonstration satellite.
Image sensor installed in the satellite:
Technology to capture the subject,
Technology that allows the demonstration satellite to approach the target by itself,
Technology to grasp the object by extending the arm from the demonstration satellite body
We will conduct demonstration tests and aim to start the space debris removal business in 2025.
Ground station functions:
Consists of a 3.7 meter diameter antenna and telemeter room (control room) for sending and receiving satellite data.
antenna:
A hexapod system that is driven by the expansion and contraction of 6 jacks is adopted.
Easy continuous tracking of zenith (directly above) orbit,
Frequency is S-band transmission / reception,
X band reception is possible
It also has an automatic tracking function that detects the direction of the radio wave, enabling accurate tracking of the satellite.
Press Release | Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
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