Today's Article

Milton Davis, NASA Space Vehicle Expert: Typically satellites, if they 2run out of fuel or something happens to it where it's just not working, it is essentially orbiting around the Earth dead.

CNN Narrator: As 3objects 4collide in space or 5quit functioning, the more 6crowded the area becomes. And the more 7debris, the higher the risk to other objects in orbit. But an Italian firm called D-Orbit hopes to 8decrease this risk in 9overcrowding with a vehicle specially made for 10relocations, cleanup and 11repairs. 

With a 130 million dollar-contract from the European Space Agency, the company plans to use their device on satellites in 12geostationary orbit. That's when a satellite remains over one specific part of the planet's surface and orbits 13at the same rate as the Earth 14rotates, giving the 15illusion on the ground that it isn't moving. Once one becomes 16unusable, that's when the GRO comes in.

Luca Rossettini, CEO of D-Orbit: The type of 17interface that we invented is already 18suitable for any type of satellite in GRO. So we are going to approach the satellite target, the customer satellite, we 19dock with the satellite, and then at that point we can extend the life of the satellite, move the satellite in other locations in order to serve other markets.

CNN Narrator: The GRO can also send objects at the end of their life to so-called graveyard orbits, around 100 kilometers higher than geostationary orbits and further away from 20operational satellites. This vehicle can also guide items toward Earth so they can burn as they enter the 21atmosphere. If GRO works, there will be fewer dead satellites flying 22aimlessly around the Earth and a more sustainable way to reduce and recycle them, making way for a safer, less crowded space and more room to explore the universe.