British firm helps build ‘claw’ to clean up space junk
BRITISH engineers are helping to design a “space claw” to grab junk floating in orbit and safely return it to Earth.
Clearspace-1, the first mission to clear up space debris, is scheduled for launch in 2025, and aerospace experts Elecnor Deimos are designing the Attitude and Orbit Control System which will orientate and position the craft.
The Clearspace-1 satellite – nicknamed “The Claw” – will use a pincer motion to collect debris, before giving it a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. It is estimated there are 160 million pieces of space junk orbiting Earth, including 3,000 defunct satellites, at 18,000mph, nearly seven times faster than a bullet.
Scientists predict that if a four-inch piece of space junk hit a satellite, smashing it apart, it would set off a chain reaction that could destroy all satellites and render space a no-go zone for centuries. The Government is investing £1 million in projects to clear up space debris.
Amanda Solloway, the science minister, said: “From broadband to tracking climate change, satellites have immeasurable benefits on all of our lives. But as many of them break into space debris, it’s vital that we take a global leadership role in preventing them from becoming space hazards.
“We plan to be at the forefront of efforts to track and remove this junk, and I am delighted that technology supporting this pioneering ambition is going to be made right here in Britain.”
Last year, there was a close call in which an Earth-observation spacecraft operated by the European Space Agency had to light up its thrusters to dodge a Starlink satellite.