ClearSpace Set to Accelerate UK’s Groundbreaking Space Debris Removal Mission
An artistic impression of the CLEAR mission. © ClearSpace
After successfully completing the preliminary design phase of the CLEAR mission, ClearSpace has been awarded a new contract by the UK Space Agency to further develop the mission.
London, 11 September 2024. ClearSpace has been selected by the UK Space Agency and is excited to announce that the CLEAR mission has successfully progressed to the next phase—a crucial step that brings us closer to space and represents a major advancement in our pursuit of agile debris removal services.
This new phase is pivotal for elevating the technology readiness levels of the preliminary designs submitted for the mission as we approach the System Critical Design Review (CDR). The UK Space Agency is focused on thoroughly refining the mission’s design and capabilities to ensure that the UK’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) solutions are robust, reliable, and prepared for future deployment.
With £2.35M in funding secured, ClearSpace is resolutely committed to achieving ambitious objectives by March 2025.
The CLEAR mission is aimed at removing from low Earth orbit two derelict objects, clearing orbital space for new activities and reducing collision risk for neighbours. The CLEAR servicer will rendezvous with the first defunct object, capture it, and transport it to an orbit at a lower altitude, where upon release, it will safely burn up in the atmosphere. Then the servicer will manoeuvre towards the second piece of debris to repeat the same set of operations.
“We are very proud of this achievement, which demonstrates our technical excellence and our commitment to making space safer and more sustainable,” said Rory Holmes, Managing Director of ClearSpace UK. “We are grateful to the UK Space Agency for their trust and support, and to our partners and suppliers for their collaboration and dedication. We look forward to continuing our work on this groundbreaking mission, which will pave the way for a new era of space activities.”
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency states, “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. That’s why this next phase of work towards a national ADR mission is so important. We want to build on the successful completion of the preliminary mission designs, and support ClearSpace and their partners as they continue to develop and derisk this innovative technology.”
[image] Artistic Impression of the CLEAR Servicer Approaching to the Client Object © ClearSpace
The mission will demonstrate the feasibility of active debris removal, providing concrete solutions to the technical and operational challenges involved. By its novelty, the mission will also contribute to the development of standards and regulations for in-orbit services and will act as a stepping stone towards the creation of a new market for assisted disposal services.
About ClearSpace
ClearSpace, an in-orbit servicing (IOS) company created in 2018, is intent on revolutionizing how space missions are conducted. ClearSpace is becoming now a global company with dynamic engineering teams in Switzerland, the UK, Germany, Luxembourg and in the United States. ClearSpace is creating the technologies that will support a wide range of IOS applications, from disposal and in-orbit transport to inspection, assembly, manufacturing, repair, and recycling. ClearSpace aims to support institutions and commercial operators alike to enhance sustainable space operations and promote a circular space economy.
ClearSpace Media Contact
Hyeonsook Hong Kaiser
[email protected]
Phone: +41 78 222 24 36
About UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency aims to boost UK prosperity, understand the Universe, and protect our planet and outer space.
An Executive Agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Agency’s role is to
- catalyse investment to advance space-based technology and maximise UK space sector growth;
- deliver missions and capabilities that responsibly meet national needs and advance our understanding of the Universe; and
- champion the power of space to inspire people, offer greener, smarter solutions and support a sustainable future.
You can follow the UK Space Agency on social media at @spacegovuk on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.