Critical Software Helps to Accelerate UK’s Groundbreaking Space Debris Removal Mission

This new phase funded by the UK Space Agency is pivotal for elevating the technology readiness levels of the preliminary designs submitted for the mission as we approach the System Critical Design Review (CDR). The UK Space Agency is focused on thoroughly refining the mission's design and capabilities to ensure that the UK's Active Debris Removal (ADR) solutions are robust, reliable, and prepared for future deployment.  

Critical Software is one of four companies comprising the ClearSpace consortium, whose mission is to demonstrate the ability to remove existing space debris. Specifically, the mission aims to remove two defunct UK-licensed satellites currently orbiting Earth. This will reduce the risk of collision with other space apparatus, on which critical systems including transportation, internet services, climate change monitoring and weather forecasting depend. 

With up to £2.35M in funding secured, the ClearSpace consortium is committed to achieving ambitious objectives by March 2025.  

Diogo Amorim, Business Development Manager at Critical Software, said of the achievement: “It is fantastic to see the CLEAR mission take another leap forward, with the support of the UK Space Agency. The funding released by the UK Space Agency will advance the design phase of the CLEAR mission and refine its capabilities, allowing the safe removal of debris which currently poses a severe risk to other space traffic. It’s with our proud support that ClearSpace will make clearing Earth’s orbit a reality.”  

Rory Holmes, Managing Director of ClearSpace UK, commented: "We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects not only our technical excellence and commitment to making space safer and more sustainable but also the strength of our collaborations. We are especially grateful to our partners, including Critical Software, for their invaluable contributions and support. Working alongside such dedicated teams from the UK is essential to the success of this ambitious mission, and we look forward to achieving great things together.” 

The mission will demonstrate the feasibility of active debris removal, providing concrete solutions to the technical and operational challenges involved. By its novelty, the mission will also contribute to the development of standards and regulations for in-orbit services and will act as a stepping stone towards the creation of a new market for assisted disposal services.

About ClearSpace  

ClearSpace, an in-orbit servicing (IOS) company created in 2018, is intent on revolutionising how space missions are conducted. ClearSpace is a global company with dynamic engineering teams in the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and the United States. ClearSpace is creating the technologies that will support a wide range of IOS applications, from disposal and in-orbit transport to inspection, assembly, manufacturing, repair, and recycling. ClearSpace aims to support institutions and commercial operators alike to enhance sustainable space operations and promote a circular space economy.  

About the UK Space Agency  

The UK Space Agency aims to boost UK prosperity, understand the Universe, and protect our planet and outer space.  

An Executive Agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Agency’s role is to:  

• Catalyse investment to advance space-based technology and maximise UK space sector growth;  
• Deliver missions and capabilities that responsibly meet national needs and advance our understanding of the Universe;  
• Champion the power of space to inspire people, offer greener, smarter solutions and support a sustainable future.  

You can follow the UK Space Agency on social media at @spacegovuk on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

Our Work in the Space Sector 

We have worked on over 25 missions as a prime or tier 1 supplier in the space sector covering the full spectrum of embedded software systems, from specifications and design to verification and validation activities. 

Find out more about Critical Software’s capabilities in the space sector.