UK Space Agency selects ClearSpace for debris removal mission

On October 15, the UK Space Agency announced it had chosen the UK‑based startup ClearSpace to lead its first active debris removal mission. The award, worth about £61 million (US$81 million), marks the country’s first effort to remove space debris and signals its ambition to become a global leader in space sustainability.

Mission details

The mission, scheduled to launch in 2029 and operate until 2032, will target two UK‑registered satellites that have become non‑operational in low‑Earth orbit. The spacecraft will be launched from the SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands and will use robotic claws to capture each satellite, then manoeuvre it into a controlled re‑entry path where it will burn up in the atmosphere.

Space is filled with tens of thousands of debris pieces larger than 10 cm, and the risk of collision can reach speeds above Mach 47. A single collision could trigger a cascade of more debris, creating a no‑go zone in orbit. By demonstrating in‑orbit inspection, proximity operations and capture of unprepared objects, the ClearSpace project aims to prove technologies that will also support future in‑orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) missions.

Beyond cleaning up space, the mission is intended to give UK firms confidence that they can perform similar operations for governments and commercial customers. Successful demonstration could open a lucrative market for in‑orbit servicing, strengthening the UK satellite sector and driving economic growth, the agency said.