Public invited to name UK mission removing defunct satellites from orbit

The UK Space Agency has chosen ClearSpace UK to lead a mission to remove two UK-registered satellites from low Earth orbit, with operations planned to start in 2029. The public can suggest a name for the spacecraft, which will have the winning name etched on its side; the project matters as removing defunct satellites is becoming increasingly important to keeping orbit clear.

The government is backing the mission with more than £60 million and expects the satellites’ disposal to be completed by 2032. The refuellable spacecraft will capture each satellite, lower it so it burns up in the atmosphere, then move to a higher orbit for another task; it is planned to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. Entries must be two words with an explanation of up to 150 words, and cannot be offensive, political or infringe intellectual property.