Project objective

Development of effective deorbiting methods for Kazakhstan’s Earth remote sensing satellites, KazEOSat-1 and KazEOSat-2, aimed at ensuring controlled and safe descent from orbit, minimizing costs, and fully complying with international standards for space debris reduction.

Relevance

KazEOSat-1 and KazEOSat-2, the first Earth observation satellites of Kazakhstan, are nearing the end of their operational lifetime. Soon, they will need to be deorbited in accordance with international safety standards. Currently, Kazakhstan lacks an approved methodology for the deorbiting of low-Earth orbit satellites, which increases the risk of unpredictable consequences such as collisions with other satellites and related hazards.

This project aims to develop a reliable deorbiting strategy that includes strategic planning and precise computational modeling. It is crucial to consider all potential risks, including the possible shortage of fuel for orbital maneuvers. The absence of thorough preparation could result in the loss of control over these spacecraft, posing a threat not only to Kazakhstan but also to the global space community.

In addition, the project includes the development of 3D models and scenarios in a virtual reality environment to accurately simulate the deorbiting process of spacecraft. The use of virtual reality technology will make it possible to visualize deorbiting trajectories and maneuvers, analyze potential risks, and optimize satellite descent procedures. A training simulator will also be created to help specialists and students practice deorbiting skills in an interactive environment, enhancing professional training and promoting innovative approaches.

Expected results

• Calculation of deorbiting maneuvers and assessment of their feasibility will be carried out, taking into account the current technical characteristics of the spacecraft subsystems by 2027
• Final computational analyses will be performed to develop definitive methods for deorbiting Kazakhstan’s Earth observation satellites
• A general technical specification for a virtual simulator modeling the deorbiting process of spacecraft will be developed. The simulator will provide accurate visualization and a physical model of spacecraft behavior during descent
• Three-dimensional models of spacecraft and their components will be developed and implemented to ensure realistic representation of the deorbiting process
• Algorithms for simulating spacecraft motion dynamics during deorbiting will be developed, considering atmospheric interactions, solar radiation pressure, and gravitational field effects
• A mathematical model describing the dynamic behavior of a spacecraft under various deorbiting scenarios will be created, based on equations of motion and external perturbations
• A virtual training simulator for spacecraft deorbiting operations will be developed, enabling realistic simulation of maneuvers and interaction with external factors during orbital descent

Planned publications

• At least three (3) research articles and/or reviews will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science) and/or with a CiteScore percentile of at least 50 in the Scopus database
• At least two (2) articles or reviews will be published in peer-reviewed international or national journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in the Field of Science and Higher Education.

Research team