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3. Space Debris Removal Companies - Astroscale (Japan) and ClearSpace (Switzerland) are the Key Players

The space debris removal market is valued at USD 0.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 41.7 % from 2023 to 2028. The orbital debris removal market is experiencing growth due to heightened space concerns and increasing debris threat to the satellite constellation. The need for protecting the operational space objects is growing rapidly due to the increasing space junk. Governments & private companies around the world are investing in space junk removal technologies. This is due to the potential of active removal solutions to remove the debris from the orbital belts and increase space sustainability.

Major Space Debris Removal Companies Include:

• ClearSpace (Switzerland)
• Astroscale (Japan)
• Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK)
• Northrop Grumman (US)
• Kall Morris Incorporated (US) 

Prominent companies in this industry are primarily located in North America and Europe. Key players in the space junk removal market are investing heavily in research and development to introduce advanced technologies such as robotics and monitoring systems to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. They are also focusing on partnerships and collaborations to expand their market presence and offer comprehensive solutions to customers.

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Clearspace (Switzerland)

ClearSpace is a Swiss-based company pioneering in-orbit services and space debris removal. Founded in 2018, ClearSpace is driven by the mission to address the growing issue of space debris, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of space operations. The company's flagship project, ClearSpace -1, is the world's first mission to remove debris from orbit, scheduled for launch in 2025. Clearspace-1 will demonstrate the company's proprietary capture technology, designed to rendezvous with and capture a defunct satellite, VESPA, which has been in orbit since 2013. The captured satellite will then be deorbited, ensuring its controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and disintegration. ClearSpace 's expertise extends beyond hardware development. The company has also developed a comprehensive ground segment, including mission control, spacecraft operations, and debris monitoring capabilities. This integrated approach ensures seamless mission execution and continuous monitoring of space debris activity.

Astroscale (Japan)

Astroscale is an emerging company dedicated to ensuring the safe and sustainable expansion of space, catering to the needs of future space exploration operations. Astroscale focuses on in-orbit servicing across all orbits, offering innovative solutions that cover life extension, situational awareness in space, end-of-life management, and active debris removal. Astroscale, based in Japan, maintains an international presence through subsidiary offices in the UK, US, France, and Israel. It operates as a dynamic venture company, with a strategic focus on fostering secure and sustainable growth in the space industry while actively addressing the environmental concerns arising from space activities.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK)

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd is a subsidiary of Airbus. It is a prominent British aerospace firm specializing in the design, manufacturing, and operation of small and microsatellites. SSTL's core business centers on providing cost-effective satellite solutions for various applications, including Earth observation, communications, scientific research, and technology demonstration. The company's expertise in small satellite technology and innovative spacecraft design has started to contribute to space debris mitigation efforts. This involves the development of solutions for tracking, monitoring, or actively engaging with space debris to ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations.

Northrop Grumman (US)

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace & defense technology company that operates through 4 different business segments, namely, aerospace systems, innovation systems, mission systems, and space systems. It provides electronic warfare products and solutions through its mission systems segment. Northrop Grumman is a prime contractor for high-priority defense and government service technology programs in the US. It also conducts business with local, state, and foreign governments, along with international customers in the commercial sector. SpaceLogistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, offers collaborative space logistics and in-orbit servicing solutions to geosynchronous satellite operators. They operate a fleet of commercial servicing vehicles, including the Mission Extension Vehicle, Mission Robotic Vehicle, and Mission Extension Pods, providing comprehensive support to satellite operations in space. The company invests in developing and procuring new in-orbit servicing, debris removal solutions and software to enhance the capabilities of its space products. Northrop Grumman maintains its presence in 25 nations and has offices in Australia, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and UAE. Some of its key subsidiaries include Northrop Grumman Aviation, Inc. (Canada), Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems International Company (UK), Northrop Grumman Overseas Holdings Inc. (Ireland), Northrop Grumman Space Operations (US), and Northrop Grumman Tactical Systems (US).

Kall Morris Incorporated (US)

Kall Morris Incorporated is an orbital debris research and solution development company with a specific focus on Active Debris Removal (ADR) to ensure a clear and sustainable orbital environment. The company distinguishes itself through patented software, exclusive hardware, and strategic partnerships, positioning it as a key player in the development of a commercially viable ADR system. To tackle the space debris challenge, KMI has designed a system that allows their spacecraft to conduct multiple debris collections while remaining in orbit. This innovative approach not only promises economic benefits but also offers substantial environmental and safety advantages within the orbital domain.

Related Reports:

Space Debris Removal Market by Technique (Direct Debris Removal, Indirect Debris Removal), Orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO), Debris Size (1mm to 10mm, 10mm to 100mm, Greater than 100mm), End User, Operation and Region - Global Forecast to 2028

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