‘World-first’ mission to remove space debris to launch from Shetland’s SaxaVord Spaceport

A “world-first” mission to remove debris from space is set to launch from a spaceport in Shetland.

The UK Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission will see a refuellable spacecraft use robotic claws to capture two dead satellites.

These will be released lower into Earth’s atmosphere, where they will naturally burn up.

The mission will mark the first time a spacecraft has disposed of more than one satellite in this way.

Plans are in place for the spacecraft to launch in 2029 from SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, which recently received £30 million in UK Government funding to ensure the country’s sovereign launch capability.

Space minister Liz Lloyd said: “Space junk and debris pose an immense and growing challenge, but with our homegrown expertise, the UK is determined to lead the global effort to clean up space. 

“By backing this world’s first mission, we will protect the satellites that underpin modern life, from keeping us connected with loved ones and delivering accurate weather forecasts to keeping our country safe. 

“This is our Space Strategy in action: giving British firms the support and clear direction they need to turn bold ideas into cutting-edge innovation, strengthen our world-class satellite sector and drive economic growth across the country.”

A competition has been launched to name the spacecraft, with entrants invited to provide suggestions inspired by “keeping space clean and safe for future generations”

The UK Space Agency is working alongside ClearSpace UK on the mission, building domestic expertise in spacecraft servicing and robotic capture.

Dr Alice Bunn, co-director at UK Space Agency, said: “This mission is about much more than removing debris.

“It is about developing the capabilities that will enable future servicing, assembly and manufacturing in orbit. 

“The technologies being developed through ADR will help establish the UK’s position at the forefront of a new generation of space services while supporting a sustainable future for activities in space.”

ClearSpace UK managing director Rob Atchison added: “Our team brings together engineers and specialists from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as allies and partners, and as the programme progresses we will create more highly specialised roles in rendezvous and proximity operations, guidance, navigation and control, robotics, spacecraft systems and mission operations. 

“Our next step is to design, build and test a spacecraft that can get close, safely, to an object never designed to be caught, and take control of it.

“We will do that with partners across the UK supply chain, working towards operations in 2029.”