OrbitSweeper is a working name for the effort to create a detailed design of the first general purpose Orbital Debris Object Management System.

It is based on a the "CODMS" US Patent granted in 2025 (Click for PDF)

OrbitSweeper has a simple concept

A cubesat with two opposing thrusters with one thruster close to and pointed at the can impart significant momentum the Orbital Debris Object (ODO), essentially creating an artificial wind that slows the object.  No capture of the ODO is needed, so mass of capture components is not needed.  It also does not need to "detumble" the ODO, so it it more general purpose.

Mobirise

FAQ:
Why two opposing thrusters? 

You need to keep the cubesat close to the orbital debris object for days or weeks while momentum is apply.  Without the thruster that is not pointing at the orbital debris object, the cubesat would thrust away from the ODO. 

Mobirise

Why has this not been proposed, developed or patented before?

This solution requires ~50% more fuel than other concepts that use various forms of capture.  Previously would have added $Ms to a mission, but with low cost SpaceX Rideshares to orbit, cubesats can carry significant fuel with no cost penalty.  If water is used for fuel, then additional fuel is very inexpensive.  We were also surprised that this had not been proposed before, but after some research it was felt it was truly unique.  Being granted a US Patent proved it.

You wrote "Orbital Debris Management" vs Removal, what is up with that?

Removal is one of a number of services that can the applied to an ODO.  But is the broader goal is to remove as much ODO risk to a given altitude and inclination band, the system can also rotate ODOs to both face in the max drag, and reduce their cross-sectional area to other passing object.  If applied to a number of ODOs, there might be greater risk reduction than removing one ODO.

Mobirise

© Copyright 2025 WidgetBlender LLC - All Rights Reserved - contact: info@widgetblender.com

The website was made with Mobirise