Efforts to clean up space debris mark a pivotal step in the UK’s efforts to protect vital space infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety of the orbital environment
The UK Space Agency has launched a major new procurement process to tackle the growing threat of space debris, initiating a £75.6m tender for the nation’s first mission to actively remove defunct satellites from orbit.
Efforts to clean up space debris mark a pivotal step in the UK’s efforts to protect vital space infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety of the orbital environment.
At the heart of the proposed Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission is a specially designed spacecraft equipped with cutting-edge British robotic and autonomous navigation technology. This spacecraft will capture and safely de-orbit two non-functioning UK-licensed satellites from low Earth orbit.
There are an estimated 140 million pieces of space debris smaller than 1cm, and over 54,000 tracked objects larger than 10cm currently orbiting Earth. Even tiny fragments can cause catastrophic damage to satellites.
This mission is a critical step in addressing the threat of space debris, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations and protecting the infrastructure that underpins modern life. The spacecraft will guide the defunct satellites into Earth’s atmosphere, where they will burn up, eliminating potential threats to the satellite networks that power essential services such as GPS, weather forecasting, and emergency communications.
“By tackling the growing threat of space debris head-on, we are protecting the infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connectivity, whilst also creating high-skilled jobs and securing the UK’s leadership in the growing space economy,” explained Minister for Space, Sir Chris Bryant.
The space debris tender process secures home-grown expertise and strengthens the UK’s leadership in the rapidly advancing field of In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM). It supports the ambitions of the Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, a 10-year plan to grow future industries, attract private investment, and establish the UK as a global leader in innovation.
Through this tender, the UK Space Agency is targeting funding for one of the five priority capabilities highlighted for investment in the space chapter of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.
Additionally, it represents a shift in the UK Space Agency’s approach, from traditional grants to competitive contracts, designed to stimulate private investment and create high-skilled jobs nationwide. Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, commented: “Actively clearing space debris is a bold step toward a safer, more sustainable orbital environment. “This mission showcases the UK’s technical excellence and our commitment to protecting the space systems that modern life depends on.”
He added: “It’s about securing the future of space for everyone, delivering tangible benefits here on Earth, and positioning the UK at the forefront of the in-orbit services market.”
The UK Space Agency is now seeking a single supplier to deliver the five-year research and development contract, with the mission targeted for launch by the end of 2028. This follows £11m already invested since 2021 in feasibility studies and design work, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to becoming a clean space superpower.
UK businesses, researchers, and satellite users stand to benefit from this ambitious initiative, which will strengthen international partnerships, drive economic growth, and help establish global standards for sustainable space operations. Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, concluded: “Sustainability is no longer solely an Earth-bound mission. The space economy is growing at a pace and on a scale; therefore, as we build the foundations to become multiplanetary, we must carry lessons of stewardship to the stars. “We applaud the UK Space Agency’s leadership in addressing the issue of space debris.”
