Laelaps Active Debris Removal (ADR) Spacecraft

The Laelaps spacecraft is KMI’s solution for Active Debris Removal (ADR). It is designed to address the growing problem of orbital debris, which is increasing exponentially due to more launches and space activity. Laelaps can approach, rendezvous with, and non-destructively adhere itself to a debris object. Once attached, it will detumble the object and then release it to a deorbit altitude. A key feature of Laelaps is its ability to complete multiple missions, contributing to space sustainability by clearing space for future operations. Unlike other KMI services focused on satellites, Laelaps is specifically designed to handle large rocket bodies and other uncontrolled and unprepared objects, which constitute a significant portion of space debris. KMI also offers a pricing tool called Fresnel, developed in partnership with Privateer, which allows users to see the cost of removal for thousands of tracked debris objects.