UK and New Zealand Join Forces to Tackle Space Debris and Boost Satellite Servicing
23rd Oct 2024
The UK and New Zealand have taken a major step toward advancing space sustainability by entering into a new agreement that will target the removal of space debris and the servicing of satellites.
The collaboration, announced at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, is aimed at supporting key initiatives like satellite refuelling, in-orbit servicing, and the safe removal of debris from Earth’s increasingly crowded orbits.
Addressing Crowded Orbits with ‘Rendezvous and Proximity’ Operations
At the heart of this partnership is a focus on ‘rendezvous and proximity’ operations, a term used to describe the critical tasks that allow spacecraft to dock with one another for servicing or fuel transfer.
As space becomes more congested, these operations will be essential for managing satellite traffic and preventing dangerous collisions.
Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, explained the importance of the new agreement: “As space leaders from across the world gather in Milan this week, we’re pleased to agree with our partners in New Zealand a world-first arrangement to help ease the way for future missions that can help keep space sustainable.”
He added that in-orbit servicing and debris removal are areas of significant growth in the space industry, and this collaboration could serve as a model for other countries.

The Growing Challenge of Space Debris
The sheer number of satellites orbiting Earth, both operational and inactive, has led to growing concerns about collisions and the creation of even more debris. As more nations and companies rely on satellites for communication, observation, and other services, the risk of congestion in space has never been higher.
The agreement between the UK and New Zealand highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to remove this debris and extend the operational life of satellites. Safeguarding Earth’s orbits is critical for ensuring that future space missions can operate safely and sustainably.
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles in Space Operations
One of the significant challenges facing these ‘rendezvous and proximity’ operations is the complex legal and regulatory environment, particularly when international cooperation is required. Navigating treaties and rules, such as the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, remains a major hurdle for nations and companies working in space.
In response, the UK and New Zealand are exploring ways to simplify these regulations to make it easier for space missions to operate across borders. This will be crucial for the success of proximity operations like debris removal and satellite refuelling, which often involve spacecraft from multiple countries.
Economic Potential in Space Services
The collaboration between the UK and New Zealand also points to the substantial economic opportunities within the emerging space servicing sector. According to independent research, the global market for in-orbit services is projected to reach $14.3 billion, with the UK potentially capturing £2.7 billion of that market.
Iain Cossar, Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, echoed the importance of the agreement, stating: “We place a lot of importance on space sustainability in New Zealand, and this agreement with the UK demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our space environment is safe and sustainable.”
He added that the principles developed in this agreement could be used by other nations to guide their own efforts in debris removal and satellite servicing.
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