U.K. Accelerates Space Debris Removal Mission
ClearSpace Technology Passes CDR for the Mission
After successfully completing the preliminary design phase of the CLEAR mission, ClearSpace has been awarded a new contract by the U.K. Space Agency to further develop the mission.
"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.”
Rory Holmes, ClearSpace U.K.
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 U.K. Space Agency is focused on thoroughly refining the mission’s design and capabilities to ensure that the U.K.’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) solutions are robust, reliable, and prepared for future deployment.
With £2.35 million (≈$2.60 million) 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 neighbors. 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 maneuver 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 U.K. “We are grateful to the U.K. 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.”
"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," said Paul Bate, CEO of the U.K. Space Agency. "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.”
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.
In a related development, Plextek is reinforcing its partnership with ClearSpace with the continued support from the U.K. Space Agency.
Plextek's selection as the radar development partner for the mission reinforces our innovation, technical excellence, and the trust and confidence placed in our capabilities by both ClearSpace and the U.K. Space Agency. As the global space industry continues to expand with more than 2,780 satellites launched into orbit in 2023 alone, the need for effective Active Debris Removal (ADR) solutions has never been more critical. The CLEAR mission aims to address this challenge by demonstrating the feasibility of removing defunct objects from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), making space safer and more sustainable for the future.
"Looking ahead, this represents a step forward in our collective journey towards sustainable space operations," said Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead at Plextek. "Our role in developing the advanced radar technology for this project not only showcases Plextek's innovative capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to safeguarding the space environment for future generations."