ClearSpace completes Phase 2 of CLEAR mission

Above: The ClearSpace Team with UK Space Agency and Phase 2 Partners during Phase 2 Final Review Meeting.
© ClearSpace

This phase has de-risked key technologies and reinforced the UK’s position as a leader in space sustainability and in-orbit servicing.

Rory Holmes, UK Managing Director, ClearSpace, said: “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our team and partners. The CLEAR mission is more than just a debris removal project—it’s a steppingstone towards a fully operational UK-led in-orbit servicing capability. By demonstrating the capability to design, build, test, license, launch and operate this mission from the UK, we are proving that the UK has what it takes to lead in space sustainability."

During this phase, ClearSpace has achieved major technological milestones that bring the mission closer to reality. The spacecraft’s robotic capture system has successfully passed mechanical derisking tests, proving it can withstand the harsh launch loads.

In parallel, ClearSpace-developed image processing algorithms have been tested in a realistic environment, ensuring the system can accurately detect and track space debris. Additionally, some of the mission’s close-proximity phases have been tested using a hardware-based spacecraft emulator, validating key operational sequences.



Above: Artistic Impression of the CLEAR Servicer Approaching to its Client Object (click here to watch video on the CLEAR mission: In-orbit services to shape the future of sustainable space operations).
© ClearSpace

Alongside these technical achievements, ClearSpace has also completed detailed programmatic estimates, providing the UK Space Agency with key insights to inform mission planning.

Ray Fielding, Head of Sustainability, UK Space Agency, said: “This is a significant milestone in our national ADR programme, and we are delighted that ClearSpace and partners have successfully delivered all requirements in this derisking-focused phase of work. We are now entering a particularly exciting period of further innovation which further supports our prioritisation of space sustainability and development of a national ISAM capability.”
 
The collaboration between ClearSpace and its partners has been essential in reaching this milestone. Notably, the company has worked closely with industry leaders Critical Software, Indra-Deimos, Plextek and Spirit AeroSystems. These partnerships not only support the mission’s success but also contribute to job creation and economic growth within the UK.

‘’Developing the flight software for the CLEAR mission has been a significant accomplishment for us, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity. Leveraging our On-Board Software Platform, Karvel, has been key in achieving the integration of all mission components within the Flight Software. ClearSpace has successfully identified and brought together key players of the Space Industry for this mission, ensuring the sustainability of debris management’ said Diogo Amorim, Business development manager at Critical Software.

‘’Being involved in Phase 2 of CLEAR has allowed us to continue the development of our Rendezvous GNC algorithms further raising the TRL and de-risking the next phase of the project. It is great to work in such a collaborative consortium on such an exciting mission.‘’said Kieran Hayward, Head of the Spacecraft AOCS and Rendezvous GNC Department at Indra-Deimos.

‘’Completing this crucial phase of de-risking and refining the RPO radar brings us one step closer to providing ClearSpace with a significant advantage in their sensor suite for in-orbit servicing and debris management.’’ said Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead – Space & Satellite at Plextek.

“Utilising our aerospace manufacturing and structural testing expertise, we’ve been collaborating with ClearSpace on de-risking activities to progress key development objectives,” said Sir Michael J. Ryan CBE, Vice President, European Space and Defence, Spirit AeroSystems. “We’re excited that our advanced aerostructures capabilities are contributing to an ambitious mission in space sustainability. Completion of CLEAR’s second phase is an important step in what we are confident will be a long-term partnership in support of our vibrant UK Space sector."

ClearSpace has been growing its presence in London, contributing to the expansion of the UK’s space sector. Over the past three years, ClearSpace in the UK has built a strong team, created local job opportunities, and formed valuable connections with the space community. The company is also part of the RPO Sandbox consortium, which successfully completed its first phase this March. This initiative is driving innovation in rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) regulation, a vital component for future In Orbit Servicing missions.

With the successful completion of Phase 2, the UK Space Agency recently hosted an engagement event to outline the next steps for the national UK ADR mission. ClearSpace and its partners remain committed to pioneering solutions that promote space sustainability and drive long-term economic growth for the UK space sector.