PUAKO, Hawaii — ClearSpace completed the second phase of the UK Space Agency’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, by testing and refining technology to remove satellites from low-Earth orbit.
In mechanical testing, ClearSpace’s robotic system proved its ability to withstand launch loads. Image-processing algorithms showed they could detect and track space debris. And ClearSpace demonstrated proximity operations in a hardware-based spacecraft emulator.
In addition, ClearSpace “completed detailed programmatic estimates, providing the UK Space Agency with key insights to inform mission planning,” according to the May 7 news release.
“We are delighted that ClearSpace and partners have successfully delivered all requirements in this de-risking-focused phase of work,” Ray Fielding, UK Space Agency head of sustainability, said in a statement. An exciting period of innovation is on the horizon for space sustainability and a the UK’s national in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing capability, he added.
British subsidiaries of Japan-based Astroscale and Switzerland’s ClearSpace are competing for a UK Space Agency contract to remove two defunct satellites from low-Earth orbit in 2026. Both companies, meanwhile, are building businesses focused on debris removal and satellite servicing.
“The CLEAR mission is more than just a debris removal project—it’s a steppingstone towards a fully operational UK-led in-orbit servicing capability,” Rory Holmes, ClearSpace UK managing director, said in a statement. “By demonstrating the capability to design, build, test, license, launch, and operate this mission from the UK, we are proving that the UK has what it takes to lead in space sustainability.”
ClearSpace partners include Critical Software of Portugal, Spain’s Indra-Deimos, Plextek of England and Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems.
Working with ClearSpace on Phase 2 of the ADR mission helped Indra-Deimos continue development of algorithms for rendezvous guidance, navigation and control, Kieran Hayward, who leads Indra-Deimos Spacecraft Attitude and Orbit Control System and Rendezvous Guidance, Navigation and Control Department, said in a statement.
Similarly, through its partnership with ClearSpace, Plextek has refined the technology for its rendezvous and proximity operations radar, Richard Jacklin, Plextek space and satellite commercial lead, said in a statement.
