BULL and JAXA started a co-creation activities for Future Integration of Space Debris prevention device onto the Epsilon S Rocket
Debris Diffusion Prevention Project - Contribution to Space Environment Preservation
June 20, 2024 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
BULL Co., Ltd.
BULL Co., Ltd. (President/CEO: Yasuhito Uto, hereinafter "BULL") and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (President: Hiroshi Yamakawa, hereinafter "JAXA") have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on business concept co-creation for space debris control-related businesses under the framework of the "JAXA Space Innovation Partnership" (J-SPARC) *1, which aims to create new ideas for space-related businesses. They have begun co-creation activities related to space debris countermeasure projects.
｜Background of Co-Creation Activities
In recent years, with the increase in the number of launches of communication satellites and earth observation satellites around the world, the amount of space debris in space (upper stages of rockets, decommissioned satellite, debris, etc.) has been increasing year by year, and the risk of collisions between objects such as satellites and space debris has been rising. This is a major challenge for sustainable space development and utilization. In order to control the generation of space debris, it is expected that attaching devices to satellites in advance can prevent debris formation, thereby enabling earlier de-orbit.
｜Contents of Co-Creation Activities
In this co-creation activity, BULL is developing a debris countermeasure device (Post Mission Disposal (PMD) device*2) to be installed on the Epsilon S launch vehicle to study the feasibility of using the PMD device to remove the upper stage of the launch vehicle, which will remain in orbit after the satellite separation, from orbit at an early stage.
(President/CEO: Rena Okajima) in 2023, including the results of co-creation activities*3 with JAXA, BULL has taken over the assets of the space debris countermeasures business and has been developing a PMD device. In this co-creation activity, we will organize the design conditions for the PMD device, which mainly utilizes atmospheric resistance, to be installed on the Epsilon S launch vehicle, and examine the operation sequence, interface adjustment, and safety measures, assuming that the device is actually installed.
JAXA is studying how to reduce debris in the upper stage of the rocket, which must remain in orbit, as part of its research on the upgrading of the core launch vehicle. Through this co-creation activity, we will provide our knowledge and experience in rocket development and operation, and examine the requirements and interface conditions for installing a PMD device on the Epsilon S launch vehicle.
This concept co-creation will clarify the roadmap for the PMD system to be installed on a launch vehicle by organizing specific installation conditions and operational details using Epsilon S as a model case. BULL and JAXA will collaborate to develop technologies that contribute to the sustainability of the space environment. BULL and JAXA will promote this concept co-creation as a concrete and early approach to the space debris problem as one of the technology developments that will contribute to the sustainability of the space environment.
*1 JAXA Space Innovation Partnership (J-SPARC)
J-SPARC is a program to create new businesses by starting with dialogue between private companies and JAXA that aim for space business, obtaining commitment from both sides for commercialization, jointly studying business concepts, and developing and demonstrating exit-oriented technologies, etc. Launched in May 2018, J-SPARC has so far carried out more than 48 The program has been launched in May 2018 and has so far resulted in more than 48 projects and activities.
https://aerospacebiz.jaxa.jp/solution/j-sparc/(Japanese Only)
*2 PMD device: A device that is pre-installed on a spacecraft to accelerate its de-orbit and shorten the time spent in orbit after the mission.
*3 ALE and JAXA start joint demonstration of J-SPARC project for commercialization of space debris diffusion prevention equipment.
https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2020/03/20200325-1_j.html(Japanese Only)
<Dr. Takayuki Imoto, Epsilon Project Manager, JAXA>
The PMD device being developed by BULL is a concept that can be used in combination with the upper stage of a rocket to promote re-entry, and is expected to contribute to debris reduction. It is very meaningful to be able to work with BULL on concept projects, such as studying the possibility of installing PMD devices on rockets, and we hope that this project will grow to contribute to the SDGs in space activities.
<Mr. Yasuhito Uto, Representative Director, BULL Co., Ltd.>
BULL is a start-up entrepreneurship based in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, that is committed to achieving the SDGs in the space age. We are very proud to be able to work with JAXA, which has a wealth of experience in research and development, through co-creation at J-SPARC to solve space debris, which will be a common issue for mankind in the future. As an important step toward the commercialization of the PMD system, which will "prevent further increase of space debris," we will continue to study the possibility of installing the PMD system on a rocket. We are determined to contribute to the sustainability of the space environment.
