In pursuit of knowledge, human beings have sent tons of human-made objects into space. With decades of practice, humans have learned how to launch probes and spacecraft's into Space efficiently. However, it seems like cleaning up space junk is a different story.
NASA wants to get rid of space trash
As capable as humans are to launch anything into space, the technology for retrieving and bringing trash back to Earth is lagging far behind. According to the Slash Gear, years of space exploration have left an enormous amount of trash and junk floating in space.
The growing garbage pile is now becoming a serious threat to future space missions. Acknowledging the threat, NASA has considered several options to rectify the situation.
The ultra-thin Brane Craft and its features
With the desire to manage the risk posed by the pile of garbage floating in space, NASA has recently approved the second round of funding for the development of the Brane Craft. Developed by Aerospace Corporation, the Brane Craft is an ultra-thin device that is capable of taking care of NASA’s space trash problems. The device is a flexible sheet that is capable of capturing floating space trash and burning it up by dragging the trash into the Earth's atmosphere.
According to Extreme tech, the Brane Craft project is part of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program.
The agency in 2016 first funded the project and the Aerospace Corporation was tasked to realize the design theory of the craft. With the release of the second phase of funding, the corporation is now ready to proceed with building the actual spacecraft and conducting test missions inside a laboratory setting.
The Brane Craft will follow a two-dimensional design.
Its total surface area will be one square yard and its thickness will only be 10 micrometers. The craft’s width makes it vulnerable to destruction. Hence, Aerospace Corporation is working to make the Brane Craft bullet-proof. The craft will also be resilient. In case of damage, the spacecraft’s digital electronics and microprocessors will be capable of working independently.
The spacecraft will be fitted with all types of essential controls and features. Its power system will be supported by solar cells. It will also have an integrated command and control for communication, altitude determination, electric propulsion and overall space control system. Since Brane Craft is lightweight, one load can already carry various crafts into space. Upon actual use, dozens of Brane Craft units can be deployed at once.
