The UK Space Agency has announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing issue of space debris, launching a £75.6 million procurement process
This will fund the country’s first mission to actively remove defunct satellites from orbit, marking a step in protecting satellite infrastructure and ensuring the sustainability of outer space.
A safer orbital environment
As more satellites are launched to support essential services, such as GPS and weather forecasting, as well as emergency communications, they continue to create risks by generating space debris.
There are currently more than 54,000 tracked objects larger than 10cm orbiting Earth, along with an estimated 140 million fragments smaller than 1cm. Even tiny pieces of debris can cause a lot of damage to active satellites, putting key services at risk.
To respond to this growing threat, the UK’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission will deploy a specially designed spacecraft to locate, capture, and safely de-orbit two non-functioning UK-licensed satellites from low Earth orbit. These satellites will be guided into Earth’s atmosphere, where they will burn up harmlessly, eliminating their potential threat to operational space infrastructure.
Investing in British innovation
The spacecraft used in the ADR mission will feature advanced robotic and autonomous navigation technologies developed in the UK. This highlights the country’s growing capabilities in space technology and underlines its ambition to be a global leader in In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM).
The new approach to funding, shifting from traditional grants to competitive contracts, is designed to attract private investment and drive innovation across the space sector. The five-year R&D contract will be awarded to a single supplier, with the mission targeted for launch by the end of 2028. This follows an initial £11 million investment since 2021 into early feasibility studies and design work.
Supporting economic growth and sustainability
This mission works with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025 and its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, which prioritises investment in cutting-edge technologies. By cleaning up its space, the UK is addressing an urgent environmental issue and also strengthening its industrial base, creating new high-skilled job opportunities across the country.
The project supports bigger efforts to develop global standards for sustainable space operations. It complements initiatives like the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative (ESSI), which is working to establish lifecycle standards for satellites, from launch to decommissioning.
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 our commitment to protecting the space systems that modern life depends on. 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.”
A leading role in the global space economy
With over 1,700 organisations, the UK’s space sector is already a major contributor to the national economy, generating nearly £19 billion in annual income and supporting 52,000 jobs. Its labour productivity is more than twice the national average, and the sector underpins services that account for 18% of the UK’s GDP.
The ADR mission is expected to further boost this momentum by enhancing the UK’s international reputation and capabilities in sustainable space operations. It also positions the country as a key player in the fast-evolving market for space servicing and debris management.
