The UK Space Research Agency has announced a tender for 75,6 million pounds for the nation's first active litter removal mission (ADR), aimed at removing two inoperable British satellites from low Earth orbit by the end 2028 year. A purpose-built spacecraft with advanced British robotics and autonomous navigation technology will capture and safely launch satellites into the Earth's atmosphere, where they will burn, reducing the threat to critical infrastructure, such as GPS, прогнози погоди та аварійні комунікації.
Mission, which is financed within the framework of the Plan of advanced production technologies, will contribute to the creation of highly skilled jobs and strengthen the UK's leadership in the field of orbital maintenance, assembly and production (ISAM). With approx 140 millions of debris in space, including 54 000 objects larger than 10 cm, this initiative supports global standards for sustainable space development, promotes economic growth and international partnership, confirming the UK's commitment to a clean space environment.
Source: https://www.miragenews.com