SwissstartupClearSpaceand French rocket giantArianespacetoday announced that a launch contract has been signed for the assignment.
The mission, named ClearSpace-1, aims to capture and deorbit a chunk of garbage weighing over 100 kg.
The launch is scheduled for no earlier than thesecond half of 2026.
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This secures ClearSpaces access to space for our trailblazing space debris removal mission, Piguet said in a statement.
The deal between two European players also marks another milestone for the continents space ambitions.
It comes a month afterEurope was foundto have surpassed the US in private spacetech investment for the first time.
More importantly, the contract brings us closer to solving a growing problem in space.
All these objects are increasing the risk of collisions with satellites or space stations.
If the build-up of trash continues at this rate, some regions of spacecould become unusable.
And for those of us on Earth, the litters ruining our views of the cosmos.
If all goes to plan, ClearSpace-1 will set a benchmark for making our solar system a cleaner place.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
