The UK space agency has launched a major new sourcing process to tackle the growing threat of space debris.
Efforts to clean space debris cite crucial steps in the UK’s efforts to protect critical space infrastructure and ensure long-term security of orbital environments.
At the heart of the proposed Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission is a specially designed spacecraft equipped with cutting-edge British robots and autonomous navigation technology.
The spacecraft safely removes two non-functioning British satellites from low-Earth orbit.
Tackling the growing threat of space fragments
There is an estimated 140 million space debris smaller than 1cm, and there are over 54,000 tracking objects that are currently orbiting Earth. Even small pieces can cause catastrophic damage to the satellite.
This mission is a critical step in dealing with the threat of space debris, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations, and protecting the infrastructure that supports modern life.
Spacecraft will guide decommissioned satellites into Earth’s atmosphere, where they burn and eliminate potential threats to satellite networks that promote critical services such as GPS, weather forecasting, and emergency communications.
“By tackling the growing threat of space debris head on, we protect infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connections, create sophisticated professions and ensure UK leadership in the growing space economy,” explained Space Minister Chris Bryant.
Support Isamu through Space Cleanup
The space debris bidding process ensures the country’s expertise and strengthens the UK’s leadership in rapidly advancing areas of orbital service, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM). It supports the ambitions of the Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, a 10-year plan to grow future industries, attract private investment and establish the UK as a global leader in innovation.
Through this bid, the UK space agency is targeting one of five priority capabilities highlighted for investment in the Space Chapter of its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Program.
Furthermore, from traditional grants to competitive contracts, it represents a shift in the UK Space Agency’s approach, designed to stimulate private investment and create sophisticated occupations nationwide.
Dr. Paul Beit, CEO of the UK Space Agency, commented:
“This mission demonstrates UK technological excellence and our commitment to protecting the space systems on which modern life relies.”
He added: “It’s about securing a future of space for everyone, bringing concrete benefits here and placing the UK at the forefront of the intra-orbit services market.”
Scheduled launches by the end of 2028
The UK Space Agency is currently recruiting a single supplier to offer a five-year research and development contract, targeting the mission by the end of 2028.
This highlights the government’s long-term commitment to becoming a clean space superpower, following £11 million, which has already been invested in feasibility research and design work since 2021.
UK businesses, researchers and satellite users support the benefit of this ambitious initiative. It will strengthen international partnerships, promote economic growth and help establish global standards for sustainable space operations.
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of Sustainable Markets Initiative, concluded: “Sustainability is no longer a planet-bound mission. The space economy is growing at a pace.
“We praise the British Space Agency’s leadership in addressing the issue of space debris.”
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