Orbital Debris: Challenges and Solutions

This lecture by the instructor, a space engineer at EPFL, delves into the challenges posed by orbital debris at the end of satellite missions. The discussion covers graveyard orbits, the Clean Space program, active debris removal technologies, and the mission objectives of CleanSpace One. The lecture also explores the technical and ethical issues related to debris removal, the importance of in-orbit demonstrations using CubeSats, and the political challenges associated with funding and international regulations. The instructor shares insights on the CleanSpace Initiative by ESA, the e.Deorbit mission, and the potential of recycling space debris to create new satellites. The lecture concludes with a personal reflection on the instructor's passion for space engineering and the journey that led to specializing in systems engineering.