Edinburgh, 27th September 2022 – A UK-based consortium has been awarded £2.2 million funding by the UK Space Agency to prepare a space debris clearance mission.
The Clear the LEO Environment with Active Removal (CLEAR) mission is sustainability-driven initiative spearheaded by ClearSpace. The CLEAR mission aims to retrieve two derelict satellites from an altitude of 700km, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Indeed, this mission is a significant landmark for the UK industry. In effect, a successful outcome will position the UK as the emerging world leader in space sustainability.
CLEAR, now entering its next phase in technical adequacy, is supported by a consortium of key UK space players. In particular, the consortium has the backing of strategic space communications specialists, AstroAgency. An eloquent supporter of the UK’s burgeoning space sector, AstroAgency will provide messaging to build awareness of this flagship mission.
Rory Holmes, ClearSpace UK Managing Director said: “Space is getting more and more congested with debris: defunct satellites, rocket bodies and other fragments. We have to act now to ensure this precious environment remains usable for future generations. Under UKSA leadership, the UK has become a leader in developing missions and technologies to address the challenge of space debris. We are excited to work with AstroAgency to raise awareness of the space debris challenge and to highlight the UK’s world-leading solutions.”
The issues of space debris
CLEAR will remove two UK-owned satellites from orbit that have been inactive for over a decade. These would otherwise have cluttered the LEO environment for up to 100 years before naturally re-entering the atmosphere. LEO is the most congested part of space due to its proximity to Earth. Objects in LEO move at 17,500 mph, taking a century to slow down through friction with the rarified atmosphere. When that happens, satellites lose the speed needed to escape Earth’s gravity and burn up on re-entry. During that time, derelict satellites – debris – can cause catastrophic collisions with other satellites or with manned stations. Therefore, leaving old satellites and broken fragments of debris orbiting the planet could have disastrous human and economic consequences.
The impact of CLEAR
The CLEAR mission is a crucial step towards solving a critical gap in our capacity. Indeed, as of today, we are unable to protect vital space-based infrastructure. These include widespread consumer, government and business services like transport, financial, weather and climate change monitoring systems.
“We are committed to making space more sustainable and we are cogent in our increasing reliance on space technologies. On the other hand, the UK is quickly becoming a global hub for satellite design, manufacturing and launch,” said Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.
“1,700 satellites were launched in 2021 alone. And that has put a spotlight on the need to safeguard the LEO environment for the benefit of all. Our focus is to keep space open for future generations by guaranteeing vital satellite services that modern life depends on.”
Daniel Smith, Founder of AstroAgency, said: “we couldn’t be more proud to be part of the CLEAR mission consortium. AstroAgency is committed to making the space sector more sustainable both on Earth in Orbit. CLEAR’s contribution to clearing space debris and safeguarding operational satellites is a vital step towards this goal.”
The CLEAR mission is a lodestar for UK companies aspiring to stand at the forefront of the in-orbit services market. Forecasts predict this emerging market will reach $14.3 billion in cumulative revenue by 2031. What’s more, CLEAR comes on the heels of the UK’s recently-announced Plan for Space Sustainability. This string of plans and actions demonstrate the UK’s commitment to developing a sustainable space sector. In addition to 20 new jobs, CLEAR will open the door to new growth opportunities in the sector. The UK space sector already supports 47,000 jobs and generates an income of £16.5 billion each year.
