The ISS in orbit (Image source: NASA; cropped)
Space is becoming increasingly crowded with debris. In a bid to avoid collisions in the future, ESA has stepped up with the CREAM project — a project that will automate the risk analysis and development of collision avoidance measures.
Collision Risk Estimation and Automated Mitigation (CREAM) is a project by the ESA to help prevent satellites from colliding in Earth’s orbit. The project, kick-started in 2020, is currently undergoing ground-based tests.
Space operators are usually faced with the burdensome task of assessing collision risks, planning avoidance maneuvers, coordinating with other operators, and handling communication problems and misunderstandings. Carrying out these tasks has proven to be not just labor-intensive, but also prone to complications.
CREAM will automate the process, lifting much of the burden off the shoulders of operators. The project is set to detect potential collisions and design timely avoidance maneuvers. It is designed to support decision-making and coordination with other satellite operators by creating a system that links all relevant stakeholders.
The CREAM project could also help in the negotiations between parties when two active satellites are involved, even referring disagreements to mediation services. Though still ground-based, the system can already send collision alerts, create actionable avoidance maneuvers, and help coordinate between parties.
The pilot usage phase is the next big step for CREAM. This phase involves ground-based integration of technologies that will make the decision-making process possible. Yet to come are also missions where the system will run as a digital payload aboard other satellites — what is called “piggyback missions” — and then a dedicated in-orbit demonstration mission to fully test its capabilities.
Image source: NASA
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 117 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.