Space Debris Removal Satellite Swarm SentinelNet Completes On-Orbit Test: 12 Satellites Collaborate Autonomously to Clean Up Low Earth Orbit

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced on July 22 that SentinelNet, its space debris removal satellite swarm, has completed a three-month on-orbit test in low Earth orbit. The system comprises 12 microsatellites of approximately 80 kilograms each, equipped with optical tracking cameras and robotic arm capture devices, operating through distributed AI algorithms for autonomous coordination.

During the test period, SentinelNet successfully located and captured 7 high-risk debris objects larger than 10 centimeters in diameter, including a defunct rocket upper stage and two solar panel fragments from retired satellites. Captured debris was guided into atmospheric reentry orbits and burned up at approximately 120 kilometers altitude.

ESA Space Debris Office head Tim Flohrer stated: "Over the past decade, the number of objects in low Earth orbit has tripled. The traditional model of ground-based tracking and manual avoidance can no longer cope. SentinelNet's core breakthrough is that the satellites can autonomously negotiate task allocation without ground commands."

The project received a total investment of 230 million euros, jointly developed by ESA, Airbus Defence, and Swiss company ClearSpace. The next phase plans to expand the constellation to 48 satellites by the end of 2030, covering the high-density debris zone between 800 and 1,500 kilometers altitude.

Both SpaceX and Blue Origin have expressed interest in commercial versions of SentinelNet, planning to launch debris removal subscription services for commercial satellite operators by 2031. Industry analysts estimate the space debris removal market will reach $4.7 billion by 2035.