Space agencies around the world are actively working on reducing the dangers of debris with some active missions, including the UK's first-ever Active Debris Removal Mission, for greater space sustainability.
What's The Active Debris Removal Mission?
Under the objective, the British space agency, in collaboration with ClearSpace UK, will deploy a spacecraft that will grab two defunct satellites and guide them back to Earth.
Naming Dos & Donts- Catchy and easier to pronounce- Should have a global appeal- Politically neutral- No military-themed names- No commercial brand names- No offensive or controversial or plagiarized namesDeadline & PrizesIncludes credit and a framed certificate by the Space Minister and UK Space Agency Director.
See Also: International Space Station Avoids Collision With Satellite Debris In Close EncounterCover: UK Space Agency
> Science
Space debris has long been piling up over the years, with NASA describing the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) as "an orbital junkyard," or even "orbital graveyard. " But not all human-made satellite trash is flung in LEO. With the number of ongoing launches, which includes constellations like Starlink, Amazon Leo, etc., it is estimated that by 2030 there will be at least 60,000 satellites orbiting the planet in different orbits. not to mention the cataracts they cause for the intergalactic probes stationed on Earth; their shelf life means more junk per square meter in space.
Shattered splinters of these junks travel at around 18,000 miles per hour, which is 7-10 times faster than a bullet. They pose a threat to missions like the ISS and other astronomy objectives. Space agencies around the world are actively working on reducing the dangers of debris with some active missions, including the UK's first-ever Active Debris Removal Mission, for greater space sustainability.
What's The Active Debris Removal Mission?
Under the objective, the British space agency, in collaboration with ClearSpace UK, will deploy a spacecraft that will grab two defunct satellites and guide them back to Earth. The guided trajectory will get the decade-old junks to burn up during reentry.
I Don't Like The Name
Then go ahead and make one. You can enter the competition by clicking on the following link. There's no age limit; however, for anyone under 18 years old, their entries must either be submitted by their parents/guardians or teachers. Entries can be submitted individually or on behalf of a community, youth group, or even a school.
Naming Dos & Donts
- Catchy and easier to pronounce
- Should have a global appeal
- Politically neutral
- No military-themed names
- No commercial brand names
- No offensive or controversial or plagiarized names
Deadline & Prizes
Includes credit and a framed certificate by the Space Minister and UK Space Agency Director. The deadline for submission closes on December 10, 2026. There's one catch though. The competition is only open to UK residents.
See Also: International Space Station Avoids Collision With Satellite Debris In Close Encounter
Cover: UK Space Agency
