The UK is to use giant robotic claws to grab dead satellites in an effort to clean up space debris.
The UK’s Active Debris Removal mission (UK ADR) will initially remove two satellites and release them lower into the atmosphere where they will naturally burn up, the UK Space Agency said. The mission is thought to be the first time a spacecraft has disposed of more than one satellite in this way.
The spacecraft will launch in 2029 from Saxavord Spaceport in Scotland, which recently received GBP 30 million in government funding. A public competition is underway to name the UK ADR spacecraft, which are intended to be used to “sweep space” after the initial mission.
The UK Space Agency is working with ClearSpace UK as its industry delivery partner on the project.
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Image: ClearSpace UK