UK launches world-first mission to clean up space junk

The UK is continuing its efforts to tackle space pollution with a new mission to remove two defunct satellites from orbit by 2032

This mission has received £60 million in government funding its in place to protect vital satellite services while strengthening Britain’s position in the growing space industry.

Announced on 15 October 2026, the UK Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) mission will use advanced robotic technology to capture and remove old satellites that could be a threat to spacecraft operating in orbit.

The growing threat of space junk

Space debris is becoming a growing serious problem, with hundreds of thousands of tracked objects orbiting Earth at speeds of more than 17,000 miles per hour. Even relatively small pieces of debris can cause significant damage to satellites and other essential space infrastructure.

Thousands of active satellites support services people rely on every day, including GPS navigation, weather forecasting, communications and national security. This is why removing dangerous debris is so important to keep these services safe and reliable.

The UK ADR mission will capture two inactive satellites using large robotic claws before bringing them into a lower orbit, allowing them to burn up naturally as they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.

The ADR mission will be the first of its kind to remove and dispose of more than one satellite in this way.

Spacecraft set for 2029 launch

The spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2029 from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. The site recently received £30 million in government funding to support the UK’s independent launch capabilities.

Designed with future missions in mind, the spacecraft will also be refuellable, potentially allowing it to support further satellite servicing and debris removal operations in the years ahead.

The UK Space Agency is working with ClearSpace UK to deliver the mission, bringing together British engineers, researchers and industry specialists to develop the technology needed for safe robotic capture in space.

Britain’s space industry

Although these projects are focusing on cleaning up orbit they will also help develop the UK’s expertise in repairing, refuelling and maintaining satellites.

These activities form part of the In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector, which is expected to grow into a billion-dollar industry within the next decade.

The programme is also expected to support specialist jobs and strengthen supply chains across the country, from Southampton to Newcastle. The wider UK space sector is already worth £18.6 billion and supports more than 55,000 skilled jobs.