South Australian-based space start-up, Paladin Space, has demonstrated the world’s first reusable payload able to capture space debris from multiple targets and store it for recycling.
The innovative technology, named Triton, was showcased at a private demonstration at the University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC).
The novel technology is able to capture multiple pieces of debris in a single mission before ejecting its contents from the parent satellite at a specific time to not interfere with other satellites. Shortly after, Triton will descend into the Earth’s atmosphere where it will burn up in a matter of hours.
Paladin’s team are also designing it to be compatible with future in-orbit recycling solutions so its contents can be delivered as materials for manufacturing and preserving the payload to be reused.
Founder of Paladin Space, Harrison Box, explained the benefits of this system.
“Triton will make the process of debris removal more sustainable and cost effective, while also being able to eject its contents on space targets, preserving the spacecraft in orbit to be reused for other missions,” Mr Box said.
“We are designing Triton to be able to dock easily with these in-orbit manufacturing stations so that the contents it collects can be recycled into metal rods or sheets for manufacturing satellites.
“Not only is this practice sustainable, but incredibly cost effective for satellite manufacturers to ‘skip’ the launch phase of a mission and simply build their assets in space.”
South Australian Treasurer and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan, said the potential of this technology highlights how South Australian-based start-ups are at the forefront of advancements in space technology.
“Space start-ups play a critical role in accelerating the growth of the South Australian space industry and strengthening our economic resilience and relevance,” Minister Mullighan said.
“Paladin Space’s innovative technology, which has been developed right here in South Australia, is a perfect example of what’s possible when you foster an environment that nurtures bold ideas.
“It’s an example of homegrown ingenuity where South Australia is developing innovative ideas aimed at solving global challenges.”
The next steps for Triton include demonstrating the technology in orbit, securing pilot customers, and performing qualification testing for a space mission.
Paladin Space were participants in the 2023 Venture Catalyst Space accelerator program, supported by the South Australian Space Industry Centre and are currently based at the ICC.
