ClearSpace Selected to Lead First UK National Active Debris Removal Mission

ClearSpace has been selected by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) as prime contractor for the UK’s first nationally commissioned active debris removal mission.

The UK Active Debris Removal mission (UK ADR) will target two defunct UK-registered satellites in low Earth orbit, with operations expected to begin in 2029.

The mission is intended to demonstrate the ability to approach, capture and safely remove spacecraft that were not designed for servicing.

ClearSpace will lead the mission’s design, development and delivery, while UKSA will act as the government customer and oversee performance against national mission requirements.

The spacecraft will use autonomous guidance, navigation and control systems alongside capture technologies to rendezvous with and remove the unprepared targets.

The mission is also intended to establish UK flight heritage in in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), a priority area identified in the UK Space Strategy published in September 2026.

The technologies developed for UK ADR could support future services including spacecraft inspection, life extension, assembly and additional debris removal missions, while helping build a commercially sustainable domestic market.

ClearSpace UK Managing Director Robert A. said the mission will be delivered with engineers and industry partners across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with further specialized roles expected in areas such as robotics, proximity operations, spacecraft systems and mission operations.

ClearSpace CEO and co-founder Luc Piguet described the contract as a step toward delivering complex in-orbit operations for a national customer.

UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd and UK Space Agency Co-Director Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng also highlighted the mission’s role in reducing orbital debris and building capabilities for future space services.

Image Credits: ClearSpace