ClearSpace-1 Active Debris Removal Mission
ClearSpace
World's first commercial active debris removal mission — ESA contract, targets Vespa launch adapter (112 kg) in 664–801 km SSO, 4-arm robotic capture, deorbit and burn-up, launch targeted 2026.
Technical specifications
- Mission type
- Active Debris Removal (ADR)
- Target object
- Vespa (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter)
- Target mass
- 112 kg
- Target orbit
- 664–801 km sun-synchronous
- Capture mechanism
- 4-arm robotic capture
- Mission outcome
- Controlled deorbit and atmospheric burn-up
- Customer
- ESA Space Safety Programme
- Target launch year
- 2026
- TRL
- Development (CDR completed)
About
ClearSpace-1 is the world’s first contracted commercial active debris removal (ADR) mission, awarded by ESA under its Space Safety programme. The mission will capture the Vespa (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) payload adapter left in a 664–801 km sun-synchronous orbit after the second Vega flight in 2013. ClearSpace’s servicer spacecraft uses four robotic arms to capture the 112 kg object before performing a controlled deorbit manoeuvre, causing both objects to burn up on atmospheric re-entry. The mission demonstrates technology applicable to future debris removal services and on-orbit servicing, underpinning ClearSpace’s commercial roadmap for recurring ADR operations for satellite operators and agencies worldwide.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.