UK funds £81 million robotic mission to capture and deorbit dead satellites
The UK Space Agency has awarded ClearSpace UK an £81 million contract to build a spacecraft that will use robotic claws to capture two defunct UK-registered satellites and guide them into a lower orbit for atmospheric burn-up.
The UK Space Agency has selected aerospace firm ClearSpace UK to create a robotic spacecraft for active debris removal, allocating about $81 million to the effort. The vehicle will feature a specialized claw mechanism capable of approaching and securing dead satellites that travel at speeds near 17,000 mph, even when they are tumbling. Planned for launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland’s Shetland Islands in 2029, its first task will be to capture two UK-registered satellites in low-Earth orbit, with a target to complete the removals by 2032.
Once seized, the debris will be lowered to an orbit where atmospheric drag ensures it re-enters and burns up, while the cleanup craft itself may be refuelled for future missions. Success could demonstrate a reusable approach to space-junk mitigation and open a commercial market for satellite operators seeking end-of-life services. The project addresses growing concerns about orbital congestion and the risk of cascade collisions known as the Kessler syndrome.
Why it matters
Removing large defunct satellites could reduce collision risk and pave the way for a reusable space-debris cleanup industry.
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