The spacecraft, called the Interceptor, will be launched, similar to Virgin Galactic systems, by a rocket from a specially equipped aircraft.
When the plane reaches the lower atmosphere, the rocket will ignite its engine and disengage from the plane in orbit. The spacecraft will use its onboard sensors and engine to approach the target object — and then «gently» push the debris out of orbit using a giant boxing glove.
«The entire space sector is organized for planned, long missions… but orbital clearance is unplanned, short missions,» says Clyde Lahain, CEO of Dark, the Paris-based startup developing the Interceptor system.
In this sense, the Interceptor «is more like an air defense missile», which must be constantly on the alert, adds Lahain. At the same time, a direct hit from the vehicle will not create additional debris.
In 2021, Dark completed a $5 million funding round, and recently closed a round for another $6 million — with the participation of American investor Long Journey Ventures (this fund is managed by Ariel Zuckerberg, the younger sister of the Meta founder).
In fact, the company still has a lot of work to do to be able to safely deorbiter, something like a second stage of a rocket. Previously, the startup was focused on developing critical systems such as the cryogenic engine and software — and now it has begun to develop the technologies needed for the unplanned rapid Interceptor missions, such as long-range object detection and tracking, autonomous flight algorithms, and a system for secure controlled entry.
The team also has to modernize the aircraft, which will cost at least $50 million (or about the same price as building a launch pad), and is preparing to conduct a demonstration mission in 2026.
Source: TechCrunch