ESA funds development of CRIMSON project for space debris removal and in-orbit servicing

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 22 October 2024 20:55

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Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 22, 2024

In September 2024, AROBS Polska and AROBS Engineering, both part of the AROBS Group, initiated the "Close Proximity Operations Control Unit Development and Qualification" (CRIMSON) project. This initiative, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under its Clean Space program, addresses the critical need for a versatile control unit for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, including Active Debris R

ESA funds development of CRIMSON project for space debris removal and in-orbit servicing
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 22, 2024

In September 2024, AROBS Polska and AROBS Engineering, both part of the AROBS Group, initiated the "Close Proximity Operations Control Unit Development and Qualification" (CRIMSON) project. This initiative, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under its Clean Space program, addresses the critical need for a versatile control unit for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, including Active Debris Removal (ADR) and In-Orbit Servicing (IOS). CRIMSON aims to develop a modular, flexible control unit capable of handling image processing, robotics control, and other essential tasks without requiring extensive nonrecurring engineering.

Voicu Oprean, CEO of AROBS Group, expressed enthusiasm: "I am proud that our Romanian and Polish Aerospace Engineering teams have been granted the opportunity to participate in the CRIMSON project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). This project aligns perfectly with our vision at AROBS Group-pioneering advancements that contribute to a cleaner and safer space environment. I look forward to seeing our teams innovate and excel in this endeavor."

AROBS Polska and AROBS Engineering are developing this technology to support future LEO missions, ensuring that their control unit is scalable and adaptable to various spacecraft. The teams will collaborate with European spacecraft integrators to refine the unit's design based on industry feedback. Michal Szwajewski, CEO of AROBS Polska, highlighted the project's long-term strategy: "The project is a consequence of our long-term strategy in developing highly reliable and innovative solutions. Within the strategy vision we are taking part in projects which support sustainable space business development and clean space is one of these elements."

AROBS Engineering is leveraging over 12 years of experience in on-board image processing software. The team in Romania is developing algorithms to process real-time images from camera systems, providing critical input to guidance, navigation, and control software. Business Group Manager Cosmin Stanciu stated: "The project represents a significant step forward in our capabilities within the aerospace sector, as this is our first HW&SW solution for multi-sensor and image based autonomous navigation capabilities for the new satellites families."

CRIMSON's focus on generic, reusable technology for close proximity operations is expected to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of ADR and IOS missions, addressing the growing complexity of these missions as space debris becomes a more pressing issue.