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Space debris poses a significant threat to the safety and longevity of activities in Earth’s orbit. In an effort to tackle this pressing issue, a group of students from Brown University have successfully designed and built a low-cost cube satellite known as SBUDNIC, which was able to deorbit itself after completing its mission.

The satellite employed a simple plastic drag sail to enhance its atmospheric drag and accelerate its reentry process. After spending 445 days in orbit, SBUDNIC successfully burned up high above Turkey as it entered Earth’s atmosphere on August 8th. This achievement signifies the early completion of a cost-effective experiment aimed at diminishing space debris, surpassing the initial timeline by five years.

The innovative design of SBUDNIC highlights the potential for affordable solutions to combat the escalating problem of space junk. By utilizing a drag sail instead of conventional propulsion systems, the satellite was able to accomplish its mission while ensuring its safe and controlled deorbit.

Space debris continues to accumulate as a result of previous space missions, defunct satellites, and collision fragments. Such debris poses a considerable threat to operational satellites and manned missions, increasing the risk of catastrophic collisions and further accumulation of trash in space.

Efforts such as the development of SBUDNIC exemplify the importance of actively addressing space debris and finding practical solutions. By employing cost-effective technologies and innovative designs, the aim is to reduce the amount of debris in orbit and create a safer environment for future space activities.

The success of the low-cost experiment conducted by the students from Brown University is not only commendable but also serves as a stepping stone for future advancements in technology and space exploration. It signifies the potential for collaborative efforts between academic institutions, researchers, and space agencies to address one of the critical challenges facing the modern space industry.

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