Phys.org June 29, 2018
NASA is experimenting with the RemoveDebris spacecraft deployed from the ISS, to conduct a series of active debris removal (ADR) technology demonstrations starting in September 2018. Two CubeSats are launched as artificial debris targets to demonstrate some of the technologies. First CubeSat will inflate its onboard balloon to simulate a larger piece of junk. The RemoveDebris spacecraft will then deploy its net to capture it, then guide it into the Earth’s atmosphere where the net will be released. The second CubeSat will be used to test the mothership’s tracking and ranging lasers, its algorithms, and its vision-based navigation technology… read more. Video
The RemoveDebris satellite deployed from the International Space Station on June 20. Credit:NASA/NanoRacks/Ricky Arnold