“Xiyuan” Space Debris Removal demonstration mission

Growing number of space debris poses a significant threat to the security of in orbit satellites. It is importance to ensure a safe and sustainable orbital space environment through active space debris mitigation programs. Sanyuan Space - a startup venture engaged in on-orbit services, aims to provide on-orbit servicing including active space debris removal, on-orbit refueling, on-orbit maintenance, and other services, in collaboration with School of Astronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, plans to launch an satellite “Xiyuan” in 2025 to demonstrate key technologies for space debris removal, such as target capture technology, relative navigation technology, multidimensional information perception technology, and close Proximity technology, etc. This demonstration is divided into two stages. The first stages involves target pose estimation, close proximity and capture of a self-carried mock target. The second stage will implement orbit mannuver and relative guidance to approach and inspect a resident space object. This paper introduces the mission design, highlights, and key technologies of “Xiyuan”.