The UK Space Agency has launched a major new procurement process to tackle the growing threat of space debris, initiating a £75.6 million tender for the nation’s first mission to actively remove defunct satellites from orbit.

At the heart of the proposed Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, a specially designed spacecraft, equipped British robotic and autonomous navigation technology, will capture and safely de-orbit two non-functioning UK-licensed satellites from low Earth orbit.

The spacecraft will guide the defunct satellites into Earth’s atmosphere, where they will burn up—eliminating potential threats to the satellite networks that power essential services such as GPS, weather forecasting, and emergency communications.

There are an estimated 140 million pieces of space debris smaller than 1cm, and over 54,000 tracked objects larger than 10cm currently orbiting Earth. Even tiny fragments can cause catastrophic damage to satellites.

Minister for Space, Sir Chris Bryant, said: “This mission is a direct example of our Plan for Change in action, delivering innovation, sustainability and economic opportunity through bold investment in future technologies.

“By tackling the growing threat of space debris head-on, we are protecting the infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connectivity whilst also creating high-skilled jobs and securing the UK’s leadership in the growing space economy.”

The tender process secures home-grown expertise, seeking to strengthen the UK’s leadership in the rapidly advancing field of In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM).

The UK Government has stated that it supports the ambitions of the Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, a 10-year plan to grow future industries, attract private investment, and establish the UK as a global innovation leader. Through this tender, the UK Space Agency is targeting funding on one of the five priority capabilities highlighted for investment in the space chapter of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.

This also represents a shift in the UK Space Agency’s approach, from traditional grants to competitive contracts, designed to stimulate private investment and create high-skilled jobs across the country.

Recommended reading

• Shetland Spaceport Edging Closer to First Launch
• Scottish SpaceTech Lands £320K Investment
• Craft Prospect | Navigating Growth in the Scottish Space Sector

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “Actively clearing space debris is a bold step toward a safer, more sustainable orbital environment.

“This mission showcases the UK’s technical excellence and our commitment to protecting the space systems that modern life depends on. It’s about securing the future of space for everyone, delivering tangible benefits here on Earth, and positioning the UK at the forefront of the in-orbit services market.”

The UK Space Agency is now seeking a single supplier to deliver the five-year research and development contract, with the mission targeted for launch by the end of 2028. This follows £11 million already invested since 2021 in feasibility studies and design work, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to becoming a clean space superpower.