<span data-lab-italic_desktop="italic" class="italic m-italic">Reg</span> readers land on ‘Binface’ as name for UK space cleanup mission
UK Space Agency readers have chosen “Binface” as their preferred name for a mission designed to remove space debris, echoing Britain’s history of playful public naming contests. The mission, led by ClearSpace UK, is intended to remove two UK-registered satellites from low Earth orbit and demonstrate the country’s ability to clear orbital debris.
“Binface” and “Binny McBinFace” led the reader poll, alongside suggestions including “Dusty Bin”, “SHART” and “Project TIDY”. The name nods to Count Binface, a novelty political candidate who came second in the 2026 Clacton by-election, with nearly 10,000 votes; Nigel Farage won by a substantial margin. The agency’s final choice is not stated.
In short
- Readers favour “Binface” for the UK’s satellite clean-up mission.
- The mission aims to remove two UK-registered satellites from orbit.
- The name references a novelty candidate who came second in Clacton.
Explained simply
Space debris is the growing collection of defunct satellites and fragments left in orbit around Earth. Travelling at high speed, it can damage working spacecraft, so removing some of it may help reduce risks for future missions.
The UK Space Agency oversees the UK’s civil space activity, while ClearSpace UK is leading the proposed cleanup mission. It is intended to remove two UK-registered satellites from low Earth orbit and demonstrate how debris can be cleared. The public poll reflects a familiar British tradition of giving projects playful names, but the agency has not stated its final choice.