LASARsat: A Czech CubeSat Mission to Tackle Space Debris Using Lasers

We are thrilled to be part of an extraordinary mission that aims to address one of the most pressing challenges in space exploration: SPACE DEBRIS. Our latest project, LASARsat, is set to launch into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Bandwagon-2 mission in late 2024. This cutting-edge CubeSat will serve as a platform to test groundbreaking laser technology designed to repair malfunctioning satellites and mitigate the growing threat of space debris.

The LASARSat mission is a bold step forward in the quest to solve the space debris problem, which has become a significant concern for the future of space exploration. The idea behind the mission originated from a winning concept presented at the prestigious Conrad Challenge, where the LASAR team of young innovators proposed using lasers to remotely repair satellites and remove debris from Earth's orbit.

Space debris poses a significant risk to current and future space missions. With millions of tiny fragments orbiting Earth at speeds much faster than a bullet, even the smallest piece can cause catastrophic damage to satellites, spacecraft, and space stations. The LASARsat mission is focused on testing a novel solution: using powerful lasers to slow down or redirect debris, causing it to re-enter Earth's atmosphere, where it will safely burn up.

By vaporizing a small portion of the debris’ surface, the laser creates a pocket of gas that effectively works as a miniature thruster and changes its trajectory. If successful, this approach could revolutionize how we manage space debris, offering a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution to a problem that has been a looming threat for several decades now.

LASARsat is a 1U CubeSat designed and constructed by Spacemanic. Despite its compact size, it is packed with advanced scientific instruments dedicated to conducting critical experiments. Among these are photodiodes, which will measure how much laser energy reaches the satellite after passing through the Earth's atmosphere, and a plasma detector, which will assess whether the laser induces any ionization in nearby particles.

Additionally, LASARsat is equipped with corner reflectors that will reflect a portion of the laser beam back to Earth. This will enable ground-based measurements with higher precision, compensating for the limited space available on the CubeSat itself. The satellite's golden exterior and a series of LEDs will also enhance its visibility, aiding in accurate targeting from Earth.

The success of LASARsat would not be possible without the collaboration of key partners, particularly the HiLASE laser center, one of the world's leading laser research facilities. Their expertise and state-of-the-art equipment are crucial for the experiments that will be conducted in orbit. This project is further supported by the Observatory and Planetarium Prague (PLANETUM), SkyFox LABS, Czech Aerospace Research Centre and the brewery Vorkloster. LASARsat will travel into space accompanied by another member of our satellite family, the first Croatian satellite CroCube. Both of them will fly onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 and their deployment will be taken care of by the company Exolaunch.

As we prepare for the upcoming launch, we at Spacemanic are proud to contribute to a mission that could pave the way for safer and more sustainable space exploration. LASARsat is not just a satellite; it's a symbol of innovation and a testament to what can be achieved when visionary ideas are combined with cutting-edge technology. We are excited to see the impact this mission will have on the future of space debris management and satellite repair.

Stay tuned for more updates on LASARsat and our continued efforts to explore and protect the final frontier.