Space drone that extends life of satellites could be weaponized
- 6 years ago
LONDON — A UK-based space company is planning to launch satellite-servicing drones by 2020, but experts warn these could double as space weapons.
The BBC reports that the Space Drone is an 800-pound spacecraft that can dock onto ageing satellites running low on fuel, and helping to stabilize and maneuver them.
The drones remain attached for up to five years, before then moving the satellite to a graveyard orbit at the end of its life.
Experts believe the space drones can be used to clean up Earth's orbit by directing space debris to the atmosphere to burn up.
Theoretically, the drones could also be weaponized and used to hijack active satellites and push them out of orbit.
The company that makes the space drones says any technology has the potential to be abused, and claims they can prevent this by retaining control and simply offering their services.
The BBC reports that the Space Drone is an 800-pound spacecraft that can dock onto ageing satellites running low on fuel, and helping to stabilize and maneuver them.
The drones remain attached for up to five years, before then moving the satellite to a graveyard orbit at the end of its life.
Experts believe the space drones can be used to clean up Earth's orbit by directing space debris to the atmosphere to burn up.
Theoretically, the drones could also be weaponized and used to hijack active satellites and push them out of orbit.
The company that makes the space drones says any technology has the potential to be abused, and claims they can prevent this by retaining control and simply offering their services.