THE CLEAR MISSION
Pioneering in-orbit services for future space operations
// NATIONAL UK PROGRAM TO REMOVE MULTIPLE DEBRIS FROM ORBIT
CLEAR develops the next generation of debris removal solutions at ClearSpace
// WE NEED MORE SPACE
Clearing the way for the future of space exploration
Humanity’s journey to explore space is threatened by the very debris we’ve left behind.
The launch rate of new satellites is exploding to respond to the growing demand for satellite-based services and applications such as telecommunication and earth observation. At the same time the number of space debris is rapidly growing.
Tackling the problem now is necessary to ensure a sustainable space for future generations.
// AFFORDABLE DEBRIS REMOVAL SERVICES
More About the CLEAR Mission
Following the successful completion of a feasibility study of the CLEAR mission to remove two UK-registered derelict objects from low Earth orbit, a consortium led by ClearSpace has been awarded a follow-up contract by the UK Space Agency to perform the preliminary design of the mission. The company’s solution responds to the pressing need to preserve the increasingly congested space environment and is a stepping stone towards other services in orbit.
CLEAR Mission News & Update
More about the UK Space Agency
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “As our reliance on space technologies increases rapidly and the UK becomes a global hub of satellite design, manufacturing and launch, we are committed to leading efforts to make space more sustainable. With 1,700 satellites launched last year alone, the need to safeguard the space environment for the benefit of everyone on Earth has never been more pressing.
By catalysing investment, backing innovative new technologies and supporting a national mission to remove space debris, we can keep space open for future generations and protect the important satellite services that modern life depends on.”
The UK Space Agency inspires and leads the UK in space, to benefit our planet and its people. An executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, it:
- Supports the work of the UK space sector at home and abroad, maximising its benefit to the UK’s growing economy.
- Invests in science and exploration to increase our understanding of the universe and deliver practical and sustainable benefits such as new technologies to improve life on Earth.
- Inspires the next generation of UK scientists and engineers.
- Promotes global co-operation in space, through the UK’s membership of the European Space Agency and international partnerships.
You can follow the UK Space Agency on social media on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
They talk about us
// STRONG PARTNERS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
Mission partners
Our mission partners are passionate and share our vision to make space more sustainable and secure.
In the pursuit of advancing the human race sustainably, nothing can stop us, not even the gravity of earth or the unknowns of the universe.
What do they do for the CLEAR mission?
ClearSpace are leading the requirements analysis and mission definition studies, as well as the platform and robotics design (capture system robotics, sensor technologies, and navigation techniques & algorithms). We are proud to work in collaboration with space industry experts and leaders in technology for the CLEAR mission.
Legal and Regulatory Support
Alden Legal advise on the spectrum and licensing of CLEAR, as well as review the regulatory and legal challenges with ADR missions, including liability and export control.
Outreach and Communications
AstroAgency are raising awareness about in-orbit sustainability, surveillance & tracking, and the contribution of each member of the consortium within the mission.
Ground Segment and Mission Operations Centre Design
Satellite Applications Catapult are providing their expertise in the development of operations facilities for ADR/IOSM missions and inputs into the ClearSpace Ground System design & operations concepts.
Flight Software Analysis and Design
Critical Software are working on establishing the On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) flight software system specification and interface requirements.
Mission Analysis, Client Observations, AOCS and GNC
DEIMOS are focusing on mission analysis whilst continuing the development of the Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) work performed for the ClearSpace-1 mission, also making visual observations of potential clients from ground.
Rendezvous Sensors
MDA are contributing to the GNC rendezvous sensors suite and interface definitions, with expertise in Light Detection & Ranging (LIDAR) and visual and infrared cameras.
Refuelling Technology
Orbit Fab are supporting the CLEAR servicer’s refuelling needs through the use of the RAFTI(TM) fuelling port, by assisting in the development of the preliminary spacecraft design to ensure successful refuelling in space.
In-Orbit Safety and Collision Avoidance Support
LeoLabs consult on in-orbit safety and collision avoidance in CLEAR, as a global leader in commercial space data and analytics services for tracking satellites and space debris.
Robotics support
The Space Technology for Autonomous and Robotic systems Laboratory (STAR-LAB) within the University of Surrey are contributing to the mission’s robotics support, helping to define the robotic manipulator’s tasks and operations requirements, as well as consolidate the associated preliminary designs.
// SUSTAINABILITY IN SPACE
A path to a sustainable future
ClearSpace is actively advancing its technological capabilities and strategizing upcoming projects beyond the CLEAR mission. These future missions will encompass a wider range of in-orbit services, including repairing, refueling, and refurbishing unoperational satellites, in addition to removing derelict objects.
// SUSTAINABILITY IN SPACE
A Path to A Sustainable Future
Our mission partners are passionate and share our vision to make space more sustainable and secure.
In the pursuit of advancing the human race sustainably, nothing can stop us, not even the gravity of earth or the unknowns of the universe.
// STRONG PARTNERS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
Partners.
Our mission partners are passionate and share our vision to make space more Sustainable and Secure.