Helios: ASTRAEA

Prototype Sketch
Prototype Blueprint
Prototype 3D Hypothesis by Machine Learning Algorithm
Prototype 3D Model

Inspiration

The growing concern over space debris, which has been escalating since the mid-20th century, inspired Helios to take action. As the amount of trackable debris has ballooned into the 21st century, we recognized the negative impacts on orbital infrastructure, space missions, the Earth's magnetic field, and the atmosphere. Motivated by popular culture and existing technologies like Canadarm, we brainstormed innovative solutions to tackle these pressing issues.

What it does

ASTRAEA (Advanced Satellite for Tracking, Recovery, And Eradication of Aggregate) is designed to eliminate the risks posed by space debris. Utilizing a combination of electromagnets to manage metallic debris and nets to capture non-magnetic junk, ASTRAEA effectively destabilizes orbits to burn debris in the Earth's atmosphere or stores it for later disposal. This proactive approach ensures the continued safety and sustainability of orbital operations.

How we built it

Our development process began with sketching the satellite using digital drawing software. We then built a functional prototype website using VSCode, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to act as the company's public face. Additionally, we designed a client-oriented mobile app prototype on Figma for monitoring and controlling the satellites.

Challenges we ran into

One major challenge was finding effective solutions for debris disposal and reclamation without causing additional problems during atmospheric re-entry. We also faced difficulties in developing methods to handle non-magnetic debris and ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our combined electromagnet and net system.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of developing a non-public, client-oriented mobile application prototype for monitoring and control. Additionally, we built a functional prototype website to raise awareness and build mindshare. Our team also successfully created a rough prototype sketch and design of the ASTRAEA satellite.

What we learned

Through this project, we learned the complexities of space debris management and the importance of innovative engineering solutions. We gained valuable insights into designing and developing space technologies and the critical role of maintaining clear orbits for future space exploration and infrastructure.

What's next for Helios: ASTRAEA

Moving forward, Helios aims to secure contracts with major space agencies and private companies to deploy ASTRAEA satellites. We plan to refine our technology further and expand our capabilities to address the evolving needs of the space industry. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a leading provider of space debris management solutions, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for orbital operations.