Space Junk No More: ClearSpace Takes Bold Step Toward Orbital Cleanup

ClearSpace has secured a new contract from the UK Space Agency to further develop the groundbreaking CLEAR mission, aimed at removing two defunct satellites from low Earth orbit. This advancement follows the successful completion of the mission’s preliminary design phase.

UK Space Agency Awards New Contract to ClearSpace

The £2.35 million funding will enable ClearSpace to refine the mission’s design and capabilities, with a focus on enhancing the robotic arm capture system and debris de-tumbling technologies. The company is now set to improve the mission’s technology readiness as it moves towards the System Critical Design Review (CDR). The project is expected to be ready by March 2025, with a potential launch in 2026.

The mission’s servicer will rendezvous with the first defunct object, capture it, and transport it to a lower orbit, where it will safely burn up upon re-entry. This process will be repeated for the second piece of debris.

Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The global space industry continues to set new records for the number of satellites launched into orbit, with more than 2,780 launched in 2023 alone. While these satellites deliver valuable services back to people on Earth, we also need to make sure we protect the space environment and develop new ways to remove space debris.”

Industry experts view the CLEAR mission as a potential game-changer in space sustainability. If successful, this mission could set new standards for responsible space operations and potentially spark a new market for in-orbit services.