Satellites and subsystems > Orbit determination and control > De-orbiting systems > E.T.PACK-F Autonomous Deorbit Device
Key highlights
E.T.PACK-F is an autonomous and propellant-less deorbit device (DD) prototype based on ElectroDynamic Tether (EDT) technology developed in the framework of the European Innovation Council (EIC)-funded E.T.PACK and E.T.PACK-F projects[JM1] . This technology enables satellites to be compliant with the 5-years post-mission disposal regulations/policies.
E.T.PACK-F is an autonomous DD solution that uses the natural resources on the space environment to generate the deorbiting force without requiring any input from the host object. It is also capable of providing collision avoidance capabilities, as the electrodynamic force generated by the EDT can be switched on and off via telecommand. Not just as an integration in new satellites, this DD can also be used in multi-Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions In this scenario, an in-orbit servicing vehicle equipped with many DDs of this kind, (1) captures a debris, (2) installs the DD on it, and then (3) moves to the next debris to repeat (one-up/several down approach).
Key features
Hardware description:
- Mass: 20 kg
- Volume: 12U
- Modules: Electron Emitter Module (EEM) and Deployment Mechanism Module (DMM).
EDT technology Characteristics:
- Length: 420 m
- Material: Aluminium
- Geometry: Tape
- Electron Emitter: Hollow Cathode
Elements included to achieve autonomy:
- Power: Solar panels on DMM and EMM walls
- Communication: UHF (DMM) and S-band antennas (EEM)
- Avionics: OBC, ADCS and CDHS on DMM and EMM
Building upon this technology, PERSEI Space aims to develop PEARSON, a DD product for deorbiting objects in the hundreds of kg range. The figure uploaded shows the performance of PEARSON at mid-inclined orbits based on a simulation campaign with the mission analysis software BETsMA v2.0. For instance, PEARSON can deorbit a space debris of 700 kg from 800 km of altitude in just about 3 months.
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Last updated: 2026-06-10
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