Earth’s orbital environment is increasingly crowded. Thousands of satellites (many of them inactive, damaged or out of fuel) now orbit the planet along with pieces of debris from past collisions.
As more and more satellites When entering orbit, one of the most important questions is: how can these satellites approach and maneuver around each other safely? To answer that question, Luxembourg-based companies LMO and ClearSpace carried out a careful designed simulation using the European Space AgencyGuidance, navigation and rendezvous, approach and landing simulator (GRALS).
What is it?
GRALS is part of ESA’s Guidance, Navigation and Control Test Facility and is designed to recreate close-in space operations with remarkable realism. The satellite model shown in this image was developed by clear space to replicate the geometry, materials and visual complexity of real satellites.
Its wrinkled gold thermal insulation, metal structures, and reflective cup-shaped propeller are not just aesthetic details but critical features that influence how light behaves in space and how cameras perceive an object during an encounter.
To ensure reliability, engineers combine computer-generated images used to train artificial intelligence systems with physical tests on increasingly realistic models. Smaller models simulate long-range approaches, while larger, high-fidelity replicas like the one shown are used to test the more delicate, short-range phases of an encounter.
Where is?
This photo was taken at ESA’s technical centre, ESTEC, in the Netherlands.
Why is it amazing?
The thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth pose increasing risks to operational spacecraft and to the long-term sustainability of space activities. Before a spacecraft can safely refuel, repair, or deorbit another satellite, it must be able to see, identify, and approach its target with exceptional accuracy. Vision-based navigation Systems are key to making this possible. Just as self-driving cars rely on cameras and artificial intelligence to interpret their environment, VBN-equipped spacecraft must interpret rapidly changing lights, shadows, reflections, and viewpoints in the harsh environment of space.
Facilities like GRALS play a critical role in bridging the gap between theory and reality. By testing real hardware with realistic satellite models in space-like lighting conditions, engineers can expose weaknesses, validate AI training, and build confidence that autonomous systems will behave safely once deployed in orbit.
Do you want to learn more?
You can learn more about satellite overcrowding and space junk.
