UK takes steps to combat space debris and ensure space sustainability

In a bid to tackle the growing threat of space debris and ensure the sustainability of space operations, the UK government has announced ambitious initiatives and investments

With space playing an increasingly crucial role in daily life, addressing the risks posed by space junk has become a top priority

Recent statistical models estimate that over one million pieces of space debris orbit the Earth, posing a significant risk to active satellites. These debris range from small fragments to defunct satellites and spent rocket bodies, threatening the functioning of critical services such as telecommunications, navigation, and weather forecasting.

More specifically, researchers have recorded that there are one million pieces of space debris measuring between 1 cm and 10 cm, with a staggering 130 million more pieces between 1 mm and 1 cm in orbit. Of these, around 36,500 objects larger than 10 cm are actively tracked, with over 35,000 already catalogued.

UK commitment to tackling space debris

The UK Space Agency has pledged substantial funding towards addressing the space debris challenge. Two Active Debris Removal Phase B mission studies, totaling £4 million, aim to demonstrate the nation’s capability to remove defunct satellites by 2026.

These initiatives underscore the UK’s determination to lead the way in space sustainability efforts.

Astroscale’s COSMIC Mission: Removing junk from low Earth orbit by 2026

Leading the charge in space debris removal is Astroscale, with its ambitious COSMIC mission. Backed by the UK Space Agency, Astroscale aims to remove defunct UK satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2026. The mission represents a significant step towards cleaning up space and ensuring the safety of future space operations.

Over the past decade, Astroscale has assembled a diverse team of over 500 professionals across multiple countries, including the UK, France, Israel, the USA, and Japan. This dedicated team is working tirelessly to develop innovative and scalable solutions for managing space debris, ranging from end-of-life satellite management to the removal of large debris objects.

The COSMIC mission holds promise not only for cleaning up space debris but also for paving the way for future in-orbit servicing and recycling initiatives. By removing defunct satellites from orbit, Astroscale is contributing to the creation of a safer and more sustainable space environment for generations to come.

ClearSpace’s CLEAR mission

Another prominent player in the space industry is ClearSpace. Founded in 2018, ClearSpace has embarked on a groundbreaking mission known as CLEAR (Clearing of the LEO Environment with Active Removal). Its mission is to revolutionize space missions and foster sustainable space operations.

Selected by the UK Space Agency, ClearSpace’s CLEAR mission is poised to make significant strides in the removal of multiple dangerous objects from space. This ambitious initiative aims to advance key technology building blocks for sustainable space operations and catalyze the development of commercially viable disposal services.

The CLEAR mission aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to space sustainability and underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the space debris challenge. By leveraging ClearSpace’s expertise and innovative technologies, the mission holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk posed by space debris and pave the way for a cleaner and safer space environment.

Multi-faceted approaches to space sustainability and international collaboration

Beyond debris removal missions, the UK government is pursuing a multi-faceted approach to space sustainability. Initiatives include research into refueling technologies, atmospheric ablation studies, and upgrades to space surveillance and tracking capabilities. These efforts aim to address the root causes of space debris and prevent future accumulation.

Recognizing the global nature of the space debris challenge, the UK is actively engaging in international cooperation and regulatory efforts. Through forums such as COPUOS and UNOOSA, the UK is advocating for sustainable space practices and shaping the agenda for future space governance.

Conclusion

As the UK charts a course towards a cleaner and more sustainable space environment, these initiatives promise to have far-reaching implications for the future of space exploration and utilization. By taking bold steps to address the space debris challenge, the UK is setting a precedent for responsible space stewardship and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.