The UK’s space agency is allocating £2 million in funding for research into refuelling an upcoming mission aimed at removing space junk. 

Space junk is any human remains left in the earth’s orbit. While the precise amount is hard to determine, experts predict there are millions of pieces of debris larger than one centimetre and hundreds of thousands larger than ten centimetres. Their high-speed orbits make them a constant threat to operational satellites.

By funding projects that could extend the lifespan of satellites, this could mitigate the growing issue of debris in Earth’s orbit. The funding is intended for feasibility studies that can demonstrate the capability to refuel a UK national debris removal mission and explore opportunities for refuelling commercial satellites as well.

“Millions of pieces of space debris and 3,000 redundant satellites pose an increasing threat to the satellite economy we now rely on daily – from telecoms to navigation, air traffic control and climate science. So it is vital that we act,” said George Freeman MP, minister of state at the department for science, innovation, and technology.

“This new £2 million UK Space Agency programme will help to develop ways to refuel inactive satellites in space. UK businesses like Astroscale and ClearSpace developing in-flight refuelling, maintenance and other satellite servicing are key to reducing space debris, boosting space resilience and ensuring a vibrant space service economy.” 

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The removal mission designed to be refuellable is set to launch in 2026. Falling launch costs, and the emergence of new technologies, the UK Space Agency is looking to UK organisations to support the mission and future capability development. 

“Satellites provide huge economic benefit for people here on Earth – but they’re currently limited to one tank of fuel! In-orbit refuelling is a key technology that can extend the life of satellites,” said Richard Lowe, co-chair of UK space in-orbit service & manufacture (IOSM) working group.

“It can also enable development of more capable infrastructure in space and help us to reduce in-orbit debris. This investment paves the way for space services that deliver even more value than today in a much more sustainable way.”