Triton
A debris-capture payload that identifies, classifies and catches 20 to 50 small tumbling objects per mission, then can be discarded while its host spacecraft keeps working.
Why it matters
Objects under a meter make up most tracked debris and drive most collision-avoidance maneuvers. Clearing many of them per trip makes removal cheaper than one big mission per dead satellite.
How the technology works
Triton uses imaging sensors and machine learning to judge each piece's type, size and spin, then captures it. Once full, the capture unit is disposed of.
It will fly on Portal's refuelable Starburst, with Portal's larger Supernova a later option.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction