1957 is the beginning of the space age
D-orbit is an Italian startup born in 2011. What it creates could be decisive for the future of the economy and research. But to explain it, we need to take a step back in time. It is 1957, the year Sputnik was launched. Now a new era begins, the space age. In this period, science fiction films begin to hypothesize what was unimaginable until a few years before. Interstellar travel, human bases on other planets, extraterrestrial explorations. From 1957 to today, technological research has advanced by leaps and bounds. In fact, in 60 years, more than 6000 satellites have entered the Earth's orbit. It is estimated that of these, only 1000 are still in operation. The remaining satellites have become space junk.
D-orbit, the scavengers of the cosmos
Space junk orbiting our planet is constantly increasing and potentially very dangerous. The greatest danger is that of collisions with functioning satellites. The technological debris in orbit travels at great speed, like bullets. A collision with satellites could therefore cause major communications or research problems. It is therefore necessary to free some space in the Earth's orbit to make it safer. This is exactly what D-orbit's Decommissioning Device does.
How does it work?
D-orbit has in fact developed a propulsion system to be mounted on all new satellites. This motor, independent from the rest of the system, will allow a controlled reentry of the equipment into the atmosphere. Basically, when a satellite retires and stops working, it is brought back to earth by D-orbit eliminating dangerous orbiting debris. It appears that the new system will also make it easier to move satellites from one orbit to another.
It is a first step towards the new eco-sustainability logic aimed at space. The new way of approaching Earth's orbit represents a necessary investment. This is to ensure sustainable development for future extraterrestrial commercial or research activities. Forward D-orbit is designed to have a low cost. It is therefore safe to bet that it will soon be widely adopted.
In Italy it can be done
Founders Luca Rossettini and Renato Panesi worked first in Silicon Valley and later at NASA. Both have an enviable track record and excellent aerospace knowledge. So why go back to Italy? Perhaps because our country is at the forefront of the industry. It is a little known fact, but after Russia and the United States, Italy was the third country to launch satellites into space. There is therefore a very developed culture on the subject. Just as there is the possibility of growth in our nation. All it takes is skills, courage and perhaps the ability to pursue a dream.
