Increasing numbers of small satellites are launched for scientific, commercial and military purposes. Although nanosatellites are an opportunity, they threaten the sustainable use of space, as without removal, space debris will eventually make certain critical orbits unusable. As of 2024, there is already over 8000 metric tonnes of junk in orbit. A central factor affecting small spacecraft health and leading to debris is the space radiation environment.
A central factor affecting small spacecraft health and leading to debris is the radiation environment, which is currently unpredictable due to an incomplete understanding of plasma dynamics. Ultimately, this stems from sparse measurements and insufficient models. We select top Finnish assets regarding space debris and high-energy space plasma physics to ensure the sustainable utilisation of space for the next generations.
We will build and launch a next-generation radiation-tolerant nanosatellite fleet, with a science payload testing the latest ideas explaining the dynamics of the near-Earth radiation environment, while demonstrating novel de-orbiting technologies on orbit. We perform cutting-edge experimental analysis utilising international space missions and carry out unique supercomputer modelling in support of our fleet.
The partners in the Centre of Excellence in Research of Sustainable Space are: