A new initiative aims to revolutionise in-orbit services through government support.
- Three space tech firms have been granted close to £1m for testing RPO.
- Astroscale UK, D-Orbit, and ClearSpace are key players in this endeavour.
- The initiative focuses on enhancing regulatory understanding and market growth.
- This project represents significant economic potential for the UK’s space sector.
In a significant move for the UK space industry, a consortium of space technology firms has received government funding to advance in-orbit services. This initiative, backed by a grant of £690,000 from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is set to explore the potential of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). This technology involves spacecraft manoeuvring close to other space objects, sometimes docking for servicing purposes.
The involved companies—Astroscale UK, D-Orbit, and ClearSpace—are at the forefront of this pioneering project. According to Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK, the company aims to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment through these operations. Astroscale UK is a subsidiary of Japan-based Astroscale, focusing on comprehensive in-orbit servicing solutions.
D-Orbit, with operations spanning the UK, Portugal, Italy, and the US, specialises in space logistics, facilitating a range of space transport and servicing needs. Meanwhile, Swiss-based ClearSpace is innovating technologies to support diverse in-orbit activities, including manufacturing and recycling capabilities. Lauren Payne from D-Orbit highlights the regulatory sandbox’s role in creating a safe and sustainable in-orbit services market in the UK, addressing technological and regulatory challenges.
The economic implications of this venture are substantial. ISAM (in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing) is anticipated to generate revenues of £14bn over the next decade. UKspace, a trade body, has suggested that with proper regulatory frameworks, the UK could capture a significant share of this burgeoning market, potentially up to a quarter of global ISAM revenues.
This regulatory sandbox aims to bridge gaps between industry stakeholders and regulators, fostering a collaborative environment to address licensing challenges. The project not only seeks to enhance regulatory comprehension but also to pave the way for routine ISAM activities in space, underlining the strategic importance of such collaborative efforts.
The funded project stands to significantly impact the UK’s position in the global space industry.
