ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission

ClearSpace has been selected by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) as prime contractor for the UK’s first nationally commissioned active debris removal mission.

The programme will be delivered from the UK and involve companies from across the British space sector. As well as removing two defunct UK satellites from orbit, the programme is expected to create highly specialised jobs, develop new technical capabilities and help lay the foundations for future in-orbit servicing missions.

Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “Space junk and debris pose an immense and growing challenge but with our homegrown expertise, the UK is determined to lead the global effort to clean up space.”

What is the UK Active Debris Removal mission?

ClearSpace will lead the design, development and delivery of the UK Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) mission, removing two UK-registered defunct satellites from low Earth orbit.

The mission will demonstrate the ability to approach, capture and safely remove objects that were not designed to be serviced or recovered. It will also give the UK valuable flight heritage in the technologies needed for future in-orbit servicing missions.

Targeted to begin operations in 2029, UK ADR marks an important step in the development of the UK’s national in-orbit servicing capability.

The programme will test the systems needed to safely navigate around, approach and interact with satellites in orbit, including advanced autonomous guidance, navigation and control technologies.

The technologies being developed through UK ADR are seen as key building blocks for the UK’s future In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector, which has been identified as a priority area in the UK Space Strategy.

Space Minister Liz Lloyd added: “By backing this world first mission, we will protect the satellites that underpin modern life from keeping us connected with loved ones and delivering accurate weather forecasts to keeping our country safe.

“This is our Space Strategy in action: giving British firms the support and clear direction they need to turn bold ideas into cutting-edge innovation, strengthen our world-class satellite sector and drive economic growth across the country.”

New roles and supply-chain opportunities

The programme will be delivered in the UK, with ClearSpace working with suppliers and partners from across the country’s space sector.

Rob Atchison, Managing Director of ClearSpace UK, said: “UK ADR will be delivered here in the UK. Our team brings together engineers and specialists from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as allies and partners.

“As the programme progresses we will create more highly specialised roles in rendezvous and proximity operations, guidance, navigation and control, robotics, spacecraft systems and mission operations.

“Our next step is to design, build and test a spacecraft that can get close, safely, to an object never designed to be caught, and take control of it. We will do this with partners across the UK supply chain, working towards launch in 2029.”

ADS member ClearSpace UK is expanding its engineering, programme and industrial capabilities to support delivery of UK ADR and future in-orbit servicing missions.

Building the UK’s in-orbit servicing capability

UKSA will act as the government mission customer, defining the national mission requirement and overseeing performance against it, while ClearSpace will be responsible for the design, development and delivery of the mission as prime contractor.

The arrangement marks a shift from government funding early-stage innovation projects to buying and overseeing an operational service from industry.

The approach could also shape future national space programmes. By buying services from industry rather than simply funding technology development, government hopes to help turn promising technologies into commercially viable businesses.

Dr Alice Bunn, Co-Director of UK Space Agency, said: “This mission is about much more than removing debris. It is about developing the capabilities that will enable future servicing, assembly and manufacturing in orbit.

“The technologies being developed through ADR will help establish the UK’s position at the forefront of a new generation of space services while supporting a sustainable future for activities in space.”

Supporting growth in the UK space sector

The announcement follows the publication of the UK Space Strategy, which identifies In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) as a priority subsector for accelerated development.

The mission is intended to establish UK flight heritage in technologies underpinning future in-orbit services. UK ADR is targeted to begin active debris removal operations in 2029.