ClearSpace Today: How Robotic Arms and Innovative Missions are Tackling Space Debris

EcoAero recently had the opportunity to interview Tawon Uthaicharoenpong, a senior mechanical engineer at ClearSpace Today. Tawon holds a Bachelor's degree in mechatronics engineering and was later awarded a scholarship for a double master's degree in space technology in Europe. It took him about nine years to reach his current position at ClearSpace, where he works as a mechanical and thermal engineer. His primary responsibilities involve working on robotic arms and capture systems. The robotic arm at ClearSpace is a standard six-degree-of-freedom system, adapted for space operations. The capture system is a four-finger claw designed to seize space debris.

Since the 1960s, humanity has been sending satellites into space through various programs like Sputnik, Apollo, Mercury, and more. However, this has resulted in significant space debris, including payload fairings, second and third-stage rockets, and other components. With each mission, at least six pieces of debris are left in orbit. About a decade ago, a Russian satellite collided with a U.S. satellite, causing a major catastrophe and raising concerns for all space operators. The space debris problem continues to grow daily. If left unchecked, it could jeopardize our ability to utilize satellite technologies, impacting internet services, weather monitoring, transportation, and more.

ClearSpace Today is one of the largest and most prominent companies working on solutions to mitigate the space debris problem. Originally started in Switzerland in 2009 as SwissCube, it was renamed ClearSpace in 2018. In 2019, ClearSpace won a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ClearSpace-1 program. The company has since expanded, establishing branches in the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, and most recently, the USA. In 2023, TIME magazine recognized ClearSpace Today as one of the "Best Inventions of the Year."

ClearSpace's core competencies include space robotics, machine learning for navigation, mission and systems engineering, and ground mission operations. The company has three main missions: CLEARSPACE-1, CLEAR, and ENCORE. Both CLEARSPACE-1 and CLEAR are debris removal missions, with the former focusing on removing a single payload adapter for ESA, and the latter aiming to remove two UK-licensed spacecraft for the UK Space Agency. ENCORE is a life extension mission, designed to extend the operational life of GEO satellites that are still functional but have run out of fuel.

The first mission is planned for launch in 2026 aboard a Vega C rocket for a UK-contracted mission. The capture system, folded within the satellite, opens its arm during the rendezvous phase when it detects debris. In the capture phase, the arm grabs the debris. Subsequently, the debris is lowered and released to de-orbit in Earth's atmosphere, where it burns up completely while the CLEAR satellite survives to conduct another mission. Additionally, CLEAR can refuel other satellites and conduct inspections and manipulations using its robotic arms.

Tawon described his day-to-day work as "quite challenging" due to ClearSpace being a small startup. His responsibilities include designing components, coordinating with third-party manufacturers, and assembling everything himself. He noted that startups face unique challenges, such as frequent changes in project details and limited resources for testing in space-like environments.

ClearSpace's main goal is debris removal, but finding customers willing to pay for this service is challenging, leading them to rely primarily on government contracts. However, the company sees more financial potential in life extension missions. Future plans for ClearSpace include manufacturing solar cells in space and beaming energy to Earth, similar to another company we've featured, Virtus Solis. They also aspire to construct large-scale structures in space, such as a lunar gateway.

We extend our gratitude to Tawon for sharing these valuable insights into his work and the future of space debris management.

Image courtesy of Clearspace Today, used with permission.