In a landmark move to address the escalating threat of space debris, the UK Space Agency has unveiled a £75.6 million procurement process for Britain’s first mission dedicated to actively removing defunct satellites from orbit. This ambitious initiative signals a new era for the UK’s growing space sector, with the goal of safeguarding critical space infrastructure and maintaining the long-term sustainability of operations in Earth’s orbit.
At the core of this initiative is the Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, a cutting-edge spacecraft designed using British robotic and autonomous navigation technologies. Over the course of the mission, this specialized vehicle will track, capture, and safely de-orbit two non-operational UK-licensed satellites currently lingering in low Earth orbit. Once captured, the defunct satellites will be directed into Earth’s atmosphere, where they will harmlessly disintegrate upon reentry.
The mission aims to directly combat the threat posed by the vast amount of orbital debris—over 54,000 tracked objects larger than 10cm and an estimated 140 million fragments smaller than 1cm. Even small pieces of space debris can cause devastating collisions with satellites that support essential systems including GPS navigation, weather forecasting, telecommunications, and emergency response networks.
Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Space, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating: “This mission is a direct example of our Plan for Change in action—delivering innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunity through bold investment in future technologies. By tackling the growing threat of space debris head-on, we are protecting the infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connectivity.”
The tender marks a strategic shift in the UK Space Agency’s approach, transitioning from traditional grants to competitive contracting in an effort to spur private investment and foster a thriving commercial space ecosystem. The agency is now seeking a single supplier to deliver a five-year research and development contract, with a targeted launch date by the end of 2028. This follows £11 million previously invested since 2021 in feasibility studies and early mission design, highlighting the UK’s long-term commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable space operations.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “Actively clearing space debris is a bold step toward a safer, more sustainable orbital environment. This mission showcases the UK’s technical excellence and commitment to protecting the space systems that modern life depends on. It’s about securing the future of space for everyone and delivering real-world benefits back on Earth.”
The initiative supports the UK government’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, which targets high-tech growth sectors and aims to establish the UK as a global leader in innovation. It also aligns with the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, specifically focusing on In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM)—a priority area for national investment.
The launch of this procurement has received strong support across the UK space community and beyond. Joanne Wheeler, Director of the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative (ESSI), welcomed the announcement: “The proposed ADR mission is a significant step toward ensuring the sustainable use of outer space. For the past three years, ESSI has worked to develop sustainability principles that will guide responsible satellite operations from launch through decommissioning. This mission represents meaningful progress in that direction.”
Industry leaders also recognize the broader economic and technological implications. Colin Baldwin, Executive Director at UKspace, noted: “Debris is a critical factor when planning the future of low Earth orbit. The UK leads in developing innovative solutions for this challenge. Many of our members are already active in this rapidly growing market, and we welcome the UK Space Agency’s continued commitment to supporting the sector’s capabilities.”
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, added: “Sustainability is no longer confined to Earth. As we expand our presence into space, we must apply the same principles of stewardship to our orbital environment. We applaud the UK Space Agency’s leadership in addressing this pressing issue.”
The UK’s space sector is already a significant contributor to the national economy, employing over 52,000 people across 1,700 organisations and generating £18.9 billion in annual income. With productivity levels more than twice the national average, the industry underpins 18% of the UK’s GDP through services ranging from navigation to national defense and climate monitoring.
As Earth’s orbit grows increasingly crowded, the UK’s proactive stance on debris removal could set a precedent for responsible space governance and help ensure that outer space remains a secure and viable domain for future generations.
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