Space pollution from satellite debris poses a critical challenge for the sustainability of space operations and traffic management. To address this, several concepts for space debris removal are being explored, including both contact-based and contactless methods. Contact-based solutions are especially complex due to the unpredictable motion of space debris, which could easily damage or destroy these systems during retrieval attempts. ALBATOR, a contactless approach, proposes the use of the Ion Beam Shepherd method, which relies on momentum transfer from a collimated, multiply-charged plasma beam. The project focuses on designing and developing an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR)-like ion beam system, along with the necessary electronics, including RF power systems, high-voltage components, command and control systems, and gas regulation units. To achieve that ambition, ALBATOR will optimize the ion beam system by gaining a deep understanding of plasma discharge and plume expansion physics. It will create advanced models to simulate plasma discharge and its interaction with debris, accounting for factors such as multiply-charged ions, electromagnetic wave behavior, and materials interactions like sputtering, which influence momentum transfer. A series of vacuum chamber tests will be conducted to characterize the ion beam's properties, such as ion current, energy, and composition, under simulated space conditions. Additionally, the interaction of the ion beam with various satellite materials will be studied to assess its effectiveness in momentum transfer. The system’s versatility will also be tested using different propellants. The results from these tests will contribute to simulations of various mission scenarios, including debris deorbiting and detumbling. These findings will help build synergies with other debris remediation strategies, such as harpoons or nets, ultimately creating a comprehensive solution portfolio to secure on-orbit space operations.

Natural hazards, such as extreme weather events, are exacerbated by climate change. As a result, emergency responses are becoming more protracted, expensive, frequent, and stretching limited available resources. This is especially apparent in rapidly warming regions. MedEWSa addresses these challenges by providing novel solutions to ensure timely, precise, and actionable impact and finance forecasting, and early warning systems (EWS) that support the rapid deployment of first responders to vulnerable areas. Specifically, MedEWSa will deliver a sophisticated, comprehensive, and innovative pan-European–Mediterranean–African solution comprising a range of complementary services. Building on existing tools MedEWSa will develop a fully integrated impact-based multi-hazard EWS. This call contained five expected outcomes, all of which will be specifically addressed by MedEWSa. Led by WMO, MedEWSa will be an exemplar of the UN Secretary General’s March 2022 call to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from extreme weather and climate-related hazards by EWS within the next five years. Through eight carefully selected pilot sites (areas in Europe, the southern Mediterranean, and Africa with a history of being impacted by natural hazards and extreme events with cascading effects), four twins will be created: ● Twin #1: Greece (Attica) – Ethiopia (National Parks): wildfires and extreme weather events (droughts, wind) ● Twin #2: Italy (Venice) – Egypt (Alexandria / Nile Delta): coastal floods and storm surges ● Twin #3: Slovakia (Kosice) – Georgia (Tbilisi): floods and landslides ● Twin #4: Spain (Catalonia) – Sweden (countrywide): heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. The twins will bridge areas with different climatic/physiographic conditions, yet subject to similar hazards, and are well positioned to deliver long-term bi-directional knowledge transfer. They will demonstrate the transferability and versatility of the tools developed in MedEWSa.