International Hackathon on Orbital Debris Removal & Active Cleanup Technologies

International Hackathon on Orbital Debris Removal & Active Cleanup Technologies
(August 1–3, 2026)

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Orbital Debris Removal & Active Cleanup Technologies, organized by Wings of Aero, brings together innovators, engineers, researchers, and students to tackle one of the most urgent challenges in modern space operations—space debris mitigation and sustainable orbital traffic management.

With thousands of inactive satellites, rocket bodies, and high-velocity fragments orbiting Earth, the threat to spacecraft, astronauts, and future missions continues to rise. This hackathon empowers participants to develop realistic, scalable, and technically feasible solutions that can transform the future of orbital safety and enable long-term space sustainability.

Participants will engage in three days of intensive problem-solving, idea development, prototyping, and collaborative innovation—all in an online global platform.

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

Track 1: Autonomous Debris Tracking & Identification System

Problem: Current tracking systems have limited resolution for small, fast-moving debris.
Expected Solution: Develop an algorithm or sensor concept capable of detecting, classifying, and predicting debris trajectories autonomously in real time.

Track 2: Low-Cost Orbital Debris Capture Mechanism

Problem: Active debris removal mechanisms are expensive and mechanically complex.
Expected Solution: A conceptual or prototype design for a cost-effective net, tether, foam, or harpoon-based capture system suitable for small-to-medium debris.

Track 3: AI-Based Collision Avoidance System for Satellites

Problem: Collision avoidance currently relies heavily on manual planning.
Expected Solution: Build an AI/ML-based decision-making tool for automated maneuver planning with fuel optimization.

Track 4: De-Orbiting System for Defunct Satellites

Problem: Many satellites lack active de-orbiting modules and remain in orbit indefinitely.
Expected Solution: Design a lightweight, attachable device or system enabling controlled de-orbiting, passivation, or orbit-lowering.

Track 5: Sustainable Propulsion for Cleanup Missions

Problem: Cleanup missions require long-duration propulsion with minimal fuel.
Expected Solution: Conceptualize an electric, solar sail, or hybrid propulsion solution optimized for orbital debris removal operations.

Track 6: Space-Based Laser or Microwave Debris Nudging System

Problem: Existing nudging proposals lack precision and energy efficiency.
Expected Solution: A theoretically sound model for safe, scalable laser-based momentum transfer to divert small debris.

Track 7: Debris Aggregation Pod for Clustered Cleanup

Problem: Removing debris individually is inefficient.
Expected Solution: Design a pod that can gather multiple debris fragments, either passively or actively, before de-orbiting.

Track 8: Orbital Debris Mapping Dashboard

Problem: Existing data sources are fragmented and not user-friendly.
Expected Solution: Build a real-time visualization dashboard integrating public datasets to monitor risk zones and debris clusters.

Track 9: Policy & Regulatory Model for Debris Mitigation Compliance

Problem: Global standardization of debris mitigation guidelines is lacking.
Expected Solution: Propose a policy or certification framework applicable for satellite operators to ensure compliance with orbital sustainability norms.

Track 10: Individual Student Innovation Track

Problem: Open category for students to propose any new idea or technology related to orbital debris, safety systems, or space sustainability.
Expected Solution: Novel, creative, technically backed ideas demonstrating strong potential to address debris-related challenges.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

Day 1 — August 1, 2026

• 10:00 AM – Inaugural Session & Theme Introduction

• 11:00 AM – Problem Statement Briefing

• 12:00 PM – Team Formation & Kick-off

• 02:00 PM – Mentoring Round 1

• 05:00 PM – Progress Submission (Checkpoint 1)

Day 2 — August 2, 2026

• 10:00 AM – Technical Workshop: Space Debris Mechanics

• 12:00 PM – Mentoring Round 2

• 03:00 PM – Prototype / Concept Refinement

• 06:00 PM – Progress Submission (Checkpoint 2)

Day 3 — August 3, 2026

• 10:00 AM – Final Mentoring Round

• 12:00 PM – Final Submission

• 03:00 PM – Team Presentations

• 05:00 PM – Jury Evaluation

• 06:00 PM – Awards & Closing Ceremony

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Eligibility

• Open to students, researchers, professionals, and innovators worldwide.

• Team Size: 2–4 members.

• Multidisciplinary teams encouraged.

Participation Rules

• All work must be original and created during the hackathon period.

• Each team must submit progress at outlined checkpoints.

• Final submission must include:

  • Concept description

  • Technical explanation

  • Prototype/model/algorithm (if applicable)

  • Presentation

• Code of Conduct:

  • Respectful communication

  • Zero tolerance for plagiarism

  • Fair participation and integrity

  • Maintaining professionalism throughout the event

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity – Uniqueness of idea and novelty of approach.

2. Practical Application / Social Impact – Real-world usefulness and contribution to orbital sustainability.

3. Technical Implementation – Accuracy, feasibility, engineering depth.

4. Scalability & Feasibility – Potential for real deployment in space missions.

5. Presentation Quality – Clarity, documentation, and delivery of the final idea.

6] Prizes & Recognition

• Top 10 Winners:
  Receive USD 1000 worth voucher under the “Idea to Startup Scheme” from SUKISH GROUP.

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Shared with leading aerospace companies/research organizations for seed funding consideration, including:

  • NASA JPL

  • ESA Space Debris Office

  • ISRO URSC

  • Astroscale

  • Northrop Grumman

• Additional Recognition:

  • Certificates of Participation for all

  • Special Category Awards under WOA International Awards 2026 Series

  • Opportunity to showcase winning ideas at related WOA International Conferences

  • Selected ideas will be abstracted in the WOA International Journal

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (4 Members)

Fee: Rs. 499
Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (4 Members)

Fee: USD 50
Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline: July 25, 2026 (one week before event start)

8] Contact Information

📩 Email: contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events