Orbithive
Autonomous Space Debris Mitigation & Management
The Problem
Latest (2024) statistics:
  • Over 36,500 tracked objects (>10 cm) in orbit (ESA, 2024)
  • 1 million+ objects between 1–10 cm
  • 130+ million objects >1 mm
  • LEO collision risk: 3–5% per year for active satellites in crowded orbits
  • 2023: Russian Cosmos 1408 ASAT test created 1,500+ new trackable debris
Debris Statistics Visualization
Main sources:
  • Defunct satellites
  • Rocket stage explosions (over 300 known breakup events)
  • Fragmentation from in-orbit collisions (e.g., Iridium-Cosmos 2009, Fengyun-1C 2007)
  • Improper end-of-life disposal
Key Challenges:
  • 7.8 km/s velocity in LEO means even small debris can destroy operational satellites.
  • The Kessler Syndrome is now a compounding reality, not just a theory.
  • Endangered sectors: Telecommunications, navigation (GNSS), climate monitoring, defense systems, and human-rated missions.
Impact:
  • Cost of replacing destroyed assets: $100M+ per incident
  • Delay in critical services (e.g., Starlink outages from debris avoidance maneuvers)
  • Loss of trust in satellite insurance markets (premiums up 20% since 2021)
Sources: ESA Space Debris Office 2024, NASA ODPO, UNOOSA
Market & Risk
Market Opportunity Chart
Debris by Orbit Zone (2024):
  • LEO: 3,400+ tons
  • MEO: 650+ tons
  • GEO: ~1,100 derelict objects
Regulatory Momentum:
  • FCC (U.S.): Post-mission disposal now required within 5 years (was 25)
  • EU: New Space Law (2024) mandates active debris removal for large constellations
  • UN COPUOS: Calls for active debris removal (ADR) integration by 2030
  • Insurance: Premiums up 20% since 2021 due to increased collision risk
Sources: Euroconsult, ESA, FCC, UNOOSA, SpaceNews 2024
The Orbithive Solution
Core Technologies
  • Sensor Fusion: LiDAR, IR, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and optical tracking. Multi-spectral calibration with onboard AI for continuous object detection.
  • Autonomous AI Platform: Jetson Orin NX runs deep learning for debris classification. Swarm coordination via custom federated AI protocols. Real-time trajectory prediction and behavioral anomaly detection.
Orbithive Architecture Diagram
Debris Mitigation Methods
  • Debris Capture Modules: Electromagnetic Nets (for small metallic debris), Robotic Arms (for precision capture of large derelicts), Tethered Harpoons (kinetic, low-velocity capture for tumbling objects).
  • On-Orbit Recycling Unit (ORU): Converts debris into structural elements (e.g., antenna booms, shielding panels). 3D printing of satellite shells using powdered aluminum from debris.
  • Ground Station Interface: SwarmNet dashboard with real-time orbit overlays and target engagement. Secure API for satellite operators to request clean-up support.
SwarmBot Technical Specs
SwarmBot 12U Design Image
ParameterValue
Size12U (34x20x20 cm)
Mass18.2 kg
PropulsionBusek BIT-3 Ion Thruster
ADCSReaction wheels, Magnetorquers
Power60W deployable solar + 72Wh Li-ion
Radiation ShieldingTantalum & Kapton-laminated
Onboard ComputerNVIDIA Jetson Orin NX + Cortex-R5
OSHardened RTOS with redundancy
Lifetime3+ years, self-replenishing swarm
Team
Future Plans
Orbithive Roadmap Timeline
  • 2026: LEO full-swarm demo
  • 2027: SwarmNet v2 with in-orbit manufacturing
  • 2028: Integration with commercial satellite fleets for joint-cleanup and servicing
  • 2030: GEO zone expansion, global compliance platform
Debris in Motion
Key Milestones in Space Debris
1978 2007 2009 2021 2024 Kessler Syndrome Fengyun-1C Iridium-Cosmos ASAT Test New EU Law
Quick Facts
36,500+
Objects >10cm in orbit
7.8 km/s
Typical LEO debris speed
$100M+
Cost per lost satellite
20%
Insurance premium rise since 2021

Contact

Interested in partnership, investment, or technical collaboration?

"We believe orbital space is the infrastructure layer of Earth 2.0. It must be secured, mapped, and made reusable — like the roads of the future." — Suman Mandal