Research project

Beyond the burning: researching and implementing policy solutions for sustainable debris ablation

Project overview

This project seeks to establish a comprehensive research framework aimed at mitigating the environmental risks associated with atmospheric ablation of end-of-life spacecraft.

By integrating a deep understanding of current atmospheric ablation research with a broad perspective encompassing technical, geopolitical, and socio-ecological factors, we will develop a robust research program with cascading short, medium, and long-term goals.

Our focus will be on identifying and addressing critical knowledge gaps and challenges within the field of atmospheric ablation modelling and prediction.

This holistic approach will enable us to explore the multifaceted implications of atmospheric ablation and pave the way for the UK to assume a leadership role in space sustainability.

 

Participants: 

Logos of project participants
University of Southampton:

 

 

University of Edinburgh:

 

 

Space Forge:

 

 

Secure World Foundation:

 

 

Please find UK Space Agency reports below

Staff

Lead researchers

Professor Minkwan Kim

Professor
Connect with Minkwan

Other researchers

Dr Alexander Wittig

Associate Professor
Research interests
  • Astrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics
  • Mission Design and Analysis
  • Numerical Methods including Differential Algebra and High Order Automatic Differentiation
Connect with Alexander

Professor Bharath Ganapathisubramani

Professor of Experimental Fluid Mechani
Connect with Bharath

Professor Ian Williams

Professor in Applied Environmental Scien
Research interests
  • Waste and Resource Management
  • Carbon management
  • Air Pollution
Connect with Ian

Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups

Research outputs