SPLASH – Self-DePloyable FLexible AeroSHell for de-Orbiting and Space Re-entry

 As the importance of CubeSat payloads and missions increases, there is a growing interest in self-deployable and adaptive de-orbit and re-entry systems to enable re-usable payloads and the return of scientific samples from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by minimizing the hazards associated with potential on-orbit collisions and space debris. Their capability to adapt mission objectives and improve re-entry versatility can be very useful to develop new LEO space missions and contrast the growing phenomenon of the Space debris, by offering also great potential for more sustainable Lunar and Mars explorations. Morphing technology applied to self-deployable flexible aeroshells (AS) is increasingly emerging as an alternative approach to perform both de-orbiting and re-entry of CubeSat class spacecraft. The use of adaptive deployable concepts combined with high temperature (HT) and flexible materials can provide controlled re-entry trajectories and enhanced flight maneuverability, otherwise not achievable by current rigid or inflatables decelerators. Tailored heat flux and induced temperatures can also be achieved by implementing shape-changing AS concepts accordingly to protect the payload from re-entry environment. SPLASH will impact on the dominant challenges in modern de-orbiting and re-entry systems of small satellites by featuring autonomous AS deployment, re-entry with less severe aerodynamic heating and controlled low-ballistic-coefficient flight with a limited use of sensors, actuators and controllers. SPLASH deals with the mission definition, design and representative testing of a self-deployable adaptive AS by combining HT materials with smart shape memory alloy to enlarge both deployment and atmospheric re-entry versatility by modulating aerodynamic efficiency (L/D) in order to enhance trajectory controllability and precision in landing. Furthermore, SPLASH deals with Space-Law drives, through a devoted task aimed at defining the legal issues related to space debris.