UK awards $81 million mission to remove two dead satellites from orbit

The UK Space Agency has signed a £61-million ($81-million) contract with ClearSpace UK to deorbit two defunct British satellites between 2029 and 2032. The spacecraft will launch from SaxaVord in the Shetlands, rendezvous autonomously and use robotic arms to push the targets into a controlled reentry.

• UKSA contract with ClearSpace UK is worth £61 million ($81 million)
• Targets are two non-operational British satellites in low Earth orbit
• Mission scheduled for 2029–2032, launching from the Shetland Islands
• 35,000–50,000 debris pieces over 10 cm are in orbit, including up to 3,500 satellites