A new space debris removal project, called ALBATOR, aims to blast hazardous junk out of harm’s way from a distance—without the need for physical contact. This early-stage concept, funded at 3.9 million Euros (approximately $4.6 million USD), is exploring non-kinetic methods to move space debris away from satellites or critical objects like the International Space Station before they pose a threat.
According to the European Space Agency, there could be as many as 140 million pieces of orbital debris as small as 1 millimeter wide. While global tracking systems monitor the larger debris, the problem continues to grow as new satellite fleets are launched nearly every week.
Companies like SpaceX have collision avoidance measures by maneuvering their satellites, but the risk remains—especially for older, defunct objects that cannot actively move out of harm’s way. Beyond legislative efforts to prevent new debris, countries and companies worldwide are investigating ways to clean up existing space junk.
### What is ALBATOR?
The project’s name, ALBATOR, is an acronym derived from the phrase “ECR-Based Multicharged Ion Beam for Active Debris Removal and Other Remediation Strategies.” As the name suggests, ALBATOR plans to use a particle beam composed of ions (charged particles) to remotely push space debris aside. This means there is no need to physically touch the junk.
This approach differs from other debris removal techniques that require contact, such as capturing debris with huge nets or docking with stray objects to force their re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
### Project Funding and Partners
ALBATOR received funding from a business-focused agency of the European Commission in September and is set to run for 3.5 years, concluding in February 2029. The project is coordinated by Osmos X, a French startup developing space thrusters to power their own uncrewed space vehicles by 2030.
The project also involves university partners from Spain and Germany, as well as the Luxembourg branch of NorthStar—a Montreal, Canada-based company specializing in space situational awareness products.
### Safer and More Versatile
In a recent statement, NorthStar officials emphasized ALBATOR’s aim to “provide a safer and more versatile solution to one of the greatest challenges facing space sustainability: the proliferation of debris in Earth’s orbit.” By avoiding the risks inherent in capture or docking, ALBATOR could significantly reduce potential hazards associated with debris removal.
### Looking Ahead
ALBATOR is part of the European Innovation Council Pathfinder program, which supports breakthrough deep-tech projects with high scientific and technological ambition and the potential to create new markets.
At this stage, a flight date for an ALBATOR technology demonstrator has not yet been announced. However, the project represents a promising leap forward in the ongoing effort to keep Earth’s orbit safe and sustainable.
https://www.space.com/technology/could-we-blast-space-debris-out-of-harms-way-with-ion-beams