Tag: ClearSpace
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UK Space Agency Delays £75.6 Million Active Debris Removal Contract Award
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has delayed awarding a contract for the next phase of the United Kingdom’s first active orbital debris removal mission, missing its original deadline for the £75.6 million program. Astronomy The contract for Phase 3 of the Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission was initially scheduled to be awarded by March 30,…
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ESA and ClearSpace Launch Prelude In-Orbit Proximity Operations Demonstration
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland-based startup ClearSpace have begun the Prelude technology demonstration mission, a step aimed at validating close-proximity spacecraft maneuvers needed for future satellite inspection, life-extension and debris-removal operations. Planned for launch next year, Prelude will test navigation and control technologies that allow two small spacecraft to maneuver together at close…
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Astroscale Clears Design Milestone for Satellite Removal Mission in 2025
Astroscale’s British subsidiary has completed the critical design review (CDR) for its satellite servicer under the End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-Multiple (ELSA-M) program, the company said Tuesday. The milestone paves the way for the next phase of assembly, integration and testing, ahead of a mission to remove a defunct OneWeb broadband satellite from low Earth orbit…
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ClearSpace Secures UK Space Agency Contract for Satellite Refueling Mission
ClearSpace, a prominent player in space sustainability, has recently clinched a contract with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to delve into the feasibility of an in-orbit satellite refueling mission. Dubbed the REFUEL.ME study, this endeavor, slated to continue until September 2024, will encompass establishing crucial mission requirements, defining operational concepts, and initiating the design phase…
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ADRAS-J mission takes methodical first steps toward the commercial removal of space debris
The recent increase in launches to meet growing demands for communications and observation satellites is adding more and more spacecraft to orbit every year. This is especially true in the more congested low-Earth orbit (LEO). With a sharp focus on making space safe and sustainable for the current as well as future generations, organizations such…
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Swiss company selects Arianespace to launch first space debris removal mission
Artist’s concept of ClearSpace’s spacecraft approaching a piece of space debris from a previous Vega rocket launch in 2013. Credit: ClearSpace Swiss-based in-orbit servicing startup ClearSpace has contracted Arianespace to launch its first debris removal mission to capture and deorbit a 100-kilogram (220-pound) piece of space debris. Europe’s Vega C will launch the ClearSpace-1 servicer…