Advanced Concepts and Technologies for Active Space Debris Removal and Orbital Sustainability

Space debris has become one of the most critical challenges for the sustainability of space activities. Thousands of inactive satellites, fragments from collisions, and mission-related debris currently orbit Earth, posing significant risks to operational spacecraft, human spaceflight, and future missions. As the density of debris increases, the probability of cascading collision events, commonly known as the Kessler syndrome, also grows, threatening the long-term usability of key orbital regions.To mitigate these risks, significant research efforts are being directed toward the development of Active Space Debris Removal (ADR) technologies and advanced mitigation strategies. These include capture systems, robotic servicing spacecraft, deployable structures, nets, harpoons, tethers, and autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies. In parallel, advances in modeling, simulation, mission design, and control systems are enabling the development and evaluation of new debris removal concepts. This Research Topic aims to explore emerging engineering solutions that can support safe and sustainable space operations.The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry experts working on innovative technologies and mission concepts for active space debris removal and orbital sustainability. Despite significant progress in space situational awareness and debris tracking, the implementation of effective removal systems remains a complex multidisciplinary challenge involving spacecraft design, robotics, orbital mechanics, materials, and control systems.This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review, and Perspective articles that advance the science and engineering of active space debris removal and long-term orbital sustainability. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- Debris capture technologies, including nets, tethers, robotic arms, harpoons, and bio-inspired concepts- Autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations for safe and efficient debris interaction- Guidance, navigation, and control strategies for capture, stabilization, and removal missions- Deployable and flexible structures designed for debris capture systems- Numerical modeling and simulation of debris dynamics, orbital motion, and capture scenarios- Fluid-structure interactions and other complex physical phenomena relevant to debris removal- Mission design, system optimization, and architecture development for debris mitigation and removal- Experimental validation, ground testing, and prototype demonstrations of capture and removal technologiesThis Topic aims to bring together multidisciplinary contributions that support the design, analysis, and implementation of practical solutions for active debris removal and the sustainable use of the orbital environment. Topic editors: Angelo R. Maligno, Caoqun Luo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79967/advanced-concepts-and-technologies-for-active-space-debris-removal-and-orbital-sustainability