ClearSpace Mission-1: Tackling Space Debris for Sustainability

CONVERGE LIVE, taking place in Singapore on March 12-13, 2025, highlights the pressing challenge of space debris as millions of pieces clutter orbit, increasing the risk of satellite collisions that could disrupt global communications, transport, and banking systems. ClearSpace, a Swiss startup led by CEO Luc Piguet, is pioneering the ClearSpace Mission-1 initiative, scheduled for launch by 2028, aimed at removing debris from orbit by targeting the European Space Agency’s first autonomous spacecraft, Proba-1. The mission’s objective is to capture the satellite, secure it, and safely deorbit it to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere over Point Nemo in the South Pacific. The total mission cost is approximately €120 million, with an €86 million contract from the European Space Agency, primarily covering non-recurring engineering expenses. The space economy is anticipated to grow dramatically, expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, making sustainable practices in space increasingly urgent. ClearSpace’s partnership with Omega, a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its significant contributions to space exploration, emphasizes the blend of innovation and legacy in tackling contemporary challenges, setting a precedent for future missions that prioritize sustainability and precision in the evolving landscape of space activities.

Source: CNBC