Business

Our Business

01

Space Debris Removal Business

As the number of satellite launches increases, the problem of "space debris" including decommissioned satellites and fragments from satellite operations—poses a growing threat to space safety. Currently, there are an estimated 40,500 objects larger than 10 cm, 1.1 million pieces between 1 cm and 10 cm, and over 1.3 billion particles between 1 mm and 1 cm orbiting Earth. To preserve a safe and sustainable space environment, space debris removal is essential. Orbital Lasers is addressing this issue by developing advanced laser technology to lead the space debris removal business, ensuring long-term safety in orbit.

Unique Space Debris Removal Method Utilizing Proprietary Satellite Laser Technology

Space debris encompasses everything from large, uncontrollable rockets and defunct satellites to small fragments only a few centimeters in size. With the use of proprietary satellite laser technology, it’s now possible to manage the orbit and movement of various types of space debris. Lasers are especially effective for stabilizing rotating debris, which is typically challenging to capture through physical methods. This innovative approach enables the safe and efficient control of debris, advancing the goal of space debris removal and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Earth's orbit.

Three Advantages of the Laser Method for Space Debris Removal

  • Advantage 01

    Enhanced Safety

    Lasers can be targeted at debris from a distance, allowing for satellite adjustments without the risk of collisions.

  • Advantage 02

    Effective for Rotating Objects

    By precisely timing and aiming the laser,
    we can safely halt the motion of rotating debris.

  • Advantage 03

    Cost-Effective Solution

    This laser method is versatile and can be applied to various objects without requiring any design modifications or attachments to the satellites being targeted for removal.

Issue

The amount of debris in space is vast and continues to grow each year,
posing significant risks to satellites and other space operations.

Number of Space Debris

As of 2024, Based on ESA Public Data

  • About40,500

  • About1.1Million

  • About130Million

  • Cataloged Space Objects
    and Their Orbits

    Approximately 36,000

    As of 2024, based on ESA public data

  • Active Satellites

    About10,000

    As of 2024, based on ESA public data

  • Number of Events Involving Fragmentation, Explosions,
    Collisions, or Anomalies

    Over 650

    As of 2024, based on ESA public data

  • Total Objects Launched into Space

    1957-2021

    Over19,000

    As of 2024, based on ESA public data

  • Number of Satellites in Mega Constellations

    2021-

    Over70,000*

    *According to in-house research, this figure is based on the projected number of satellites planned by various companies as of 2024.

Over the next 10 years, the number of satellites launched is expected to
far surpass the total launched in the past 60 years, resulting in rapid congestion in Low Earth Orbit.

Solution

Laser Ablation for Space Debris Removal by Orbital Lasers

The laser ablation technique directs laser light at a target object, vaporizing and ionizing its surface material to generate thrust. This method allows for the safe relocation of space debris and the reduction of its rotational motion, enhancing the safety and sustainability of low Earth orbit. By harnessing laser ablation, Orbital Lasers is at the forefront of tackling the growing challenges of space debris.

Demonstration Experiment

Our Business

02

Satellite LiDAR Busines

Satellite-based services, including broadcasting, weather forecasting, and GNSS for location services, have become vital infrastructure, supporting society and driving economic growth. Orbital Lasers' advanced laser technology can also enhance satellite-mounted LiDAR (Satellite LiDAR). This technology enables precise measurement of surface elevation by calculating the time difference of laser reflections from the ground.

LiDAR-based measurement data has diverse applications, including forest management, biomass estimation, land management, embankment and excavation monitoring, landslide risk detection, urban digital twins, and 3D mapping.

Looking ahead, Orbital Lasers plans to develop and operate a small LiDAR satellite constellation, providing accurate altitude data for any location on Earth in an accessible format.

3D Surveying Using Remote Sensing Technology

With a small LiDAR satellite constellation, 3D measurements can be conducted with centimeter-level height resolution from any location on Earth. Automating the entire process—from order placement to measurement, data generation, and delivery—ensures a seamless user experience while minimizing costs. This innovative approach will enhance data accessibility and accuracy for a variety of applications, including mapping, urban planning, and environmental monitoring

  • Satellite
  • Aircraft
  • Drone

Use Case

  • High-Precision 3D Mapping of Earth

    A small LiDAR satellite constellation will facilitate the creation of high-precision 3D maps for any global location. These maps can be frequently updated, capturing three-dimensional environmental changes efficiently.

  • Accurate Carbon Credit Assessment Through Tree Height Measurement

    Regularly measuring tree heights allows for accurate estimates of forest carbon absorption, enabling precise carbon credit assessments. This data is also valuable for environmental monitoring, such as evaluating forest regrowth after deforestation or wildfires.

  • Seabed Topography Mapping

    Certain wavelengths of satellite LiDAR can penetrate water, allowing the measurement of seabed topography in shallow waters and coastal areas. This data is essential for ocean conservation, route planning, and coastal development projects.

  • Enhancing Autonomous Drone Navigation with 3D Mapping

    Satellite LiDAR enables high-precision 3D mapping of complex terrains and densely populated urban environments. Integrating this data into autonomous drone navigation systems optimizes and safely plans routes, aiding in obstacle avoidance and path efficiency.

  • Land Management

    By regularly measuring the topography of entire nations, including rivers, coastlines, and mountainous regions, governments and companies can obtain valuable data for disaster risk assessment, terrain change monitoring, and infrastructure planning.

  • Urban Planning and Disaster Prevention

    Frequent measurements using satellite LiDAR ensure that 3D data crucial for disaster prevention and smart city initiatives, such as digital twins, remains consistently up-to-date.