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UK Space Agency Sustainability Highlights of 2024

Space Sustainability
Christmas Newsletter (Dec 2024)

Seasons greetings from the UK Space Agency’s Sustainability & ISAM Team!
 
2024 has been a year of exciting change and growth for our team.  We have broadened our portfolio from Space Sustainability and Active Debris Removal (ADR) to include wider In-orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) activities, and increased in size from 3 people to 8.
 
In this Newsletter you will find a roundup of our activities this year, and a look ahead to 2025.  To stay up to date with all the latest news and activities in space sustainability as they happen, register here to join our Sustainable Space Community Hub.  
 
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year.
 
Ray Fielding
Head of Sustainability & ISAM
UK Space Agency
 
Contact Us: [email protected]
 
Contents:
Sustainability & ISAM Space Surveillance & Tracking International Collaboration 2024 Key Events Media Mentions Public Outreach 2025 Key Events Sustainability & ISAM


Active Debris Removal (ADR):
Work has progressed well on a potential national ADR mission this year, with nearly £10m total funding provided to date to develop mission concepts by ClearSpace and Astroscale, with both successfully passing their Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) early in 2024.  
 
Both companies were subsequently awarded further funding for Phase 2 of the project, due to complete by the end of March 2025, to further develop and derisk the key technologies required and provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks and costs involved. Ultimately, one mission concept is expected to be chosen to fly.
 
If successful, this mission would demonstrate national capability to rendezvous, dock with and de-orbit two UK-licenced satellites, before being refuelled to service additional commercial clients.
Read about CLEAR Read about COSMIC
Satellite Refuelling:
In 2024 we launched four feasibility studies into Satellite Refuelling totalling £2M, designed to complement our national ADR mission (see above). These are led by Astroscale, ClearSpace, Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space.
 
Astroscale and ClearSpace have completed their studies, with Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space due to complete very soon.

Image courtesy of ESA



Atmospheric Ablation:
This year we have provided £394k funding for 3 studies into atmospheric ablation and the potential environmental impact of space debris burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
 
The first study, led by the University of Southampton, is designed to develop a robust research programme with short, medium and long term views, while a second, related study led by Durham University will carry out a supporting literature review.  The third study, led by the University of Leeds and match-funded by ESA, will model and simulate the ablation process.
 
All three studies are due to complete early in 2025.


Future of the ISAM market:
Also launched in 2024 were a £229k study by know.space on the Opportunities and Value of the ISAM Market and a £208k study by Growbotics to support the Government’s understanding of the UK's current ISAM capabilities and to develop a future roadmap, which follows on from the UK Space In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing Priorities Paper.
 
These studies aim to ensure the UK has the right vision, technology and people in place at the right time to capture a significant proportion of this emerging market. The final reports are expected early in 2025.


Westcott ISAM Test Facility:
The Satellite Applications Catapult’s ISAM test facility at Westcott in Buckinghamshire re-opened in September following upgrades made possible by a £2m grant from the UK Space Agency to provide unique capabilities in the UK where companies can verify, validate and demonstrate a range of in-orbit operations, including manufacturing, servicing, inspection, repair and assembly.
Read about the upgrades Inquire about using the facility

Standards Development:  
We are continuing to support development of a set of Space Sustainability Standards through the Earth∞Space Sustainability Initiative (ESSI), designed to become the global, transparent Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Space Sustainability Standards recognised by finance and insurance communities and internationally by policy makers.  
 
The first two flex standards, on Framework and Launch, are now going through the British Standards Institute (BSI) consultation process, and are due to be completed early in 2025.  
If you would like to learn more, please join the Sustainable Space Community Hub, where you can join discussions, stay informed and share your views alongside other industry experts, to help shape and drive the progress of standards development.
Space Surveillance & Tracking





National Space Operations Centre:
The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) was launched in May, in collaboration with Space Command and the Met Office.  
 
NSpOC operates the UK’s space surveillance and protection capabilities and is responsible for multiple mission sets including uncontrolled re-entry early warning, in-space collision avoidance protection services, fragmentation monitoring, support to HMG and international partners and more. It also issues a public monthly article on uncontrolled debris re-entries and warnings to UK-licensed satellite operators of potential collision risks.
 
This year NSpOC tracked several notable events including:
Re-entry of ESA's satellite 'Salsa' which landed in the South Pacific. Re-entry of debris from the Polaris Dawn mission which re-entered over the Atlantic. Re-entry of the Peregrine Moonlander. Debris from the breakup of Intelsat 33E. Visit the NSpOC website Read the latest monthly report Sign up for alerts for new NSpOC articles International Collaboration

Image courtesy of ESA
Zero Debris Charter (ZDC):
In May the UK joined 11 other countries in signing the Zero Debris Charter, a broad community-driven and community-building initiative for the global space community. The Charter contains both high-level guiding principles and ambitious, jointly defined targets to enable the space community to achieve the goal of Zero Debris by 2030.
Read the Press Release Read about the ZDC Download the Charter


United Nations:
The UK has demonstrated thought leadership through collaboration to develop standards, regulations, norms of behaviour, agreements and best practices that influence and define the in-orbit regime of the future, working with international space partners at UN and working-group levels, where our influential role has helped drive forward the agenda on key issues facing space, including:
Taking a leading role at the Long Term Sustainability (LTS) Guidelines Working Group at the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and funding related important capacity building work. Attending the first United Nations Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities by its Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna in June, an important first step to ensuring safe and sustainable lunar exploration into the future. Funding  free to access training events on publicly available Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tools with UNOOSA.
ESA Space Safety:
Through the ESA Space Safety Programme, which is developing a wide range of technologies for observing, tracking and mitigating the risk of space debris, the UK Space Agency is supporting the ClearSpace-1 (or ADRIOS-1) active debris removal mission, and ClearSpace's geostationary in-orbit servicing mission ENCORE, expected to launch in 2027-2028.  A small UK consortium led by D-Orbit-UK is supporting the commercial geostationary in-orbit servicing RISE mission, also funded through the ESA Space Safety Programme.

UK / New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
In October, the UK and New Zealand signed a blueprint for enabling multi-state active debris removal and in-orbit servicing missions. The arrangement, the first of its kind in the world, was signed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan.
Read more 2024 Key Events

42nd IADC, Bengaluru, India

UK’s first ISAM Conference, Harwell, UK

SWF Summit for Space Sustainability, Tokyo, Japan

22nd Space Generation Congress, Milan, Italy

New Scientist Live, London, UK
2024 was a busy year, with the UK Space Agency hosting, sponsoring or attending numerous events with a Sustainability theme or focus, including:  
Attending the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) in April in Bengaluru, India. Hosting the UK’s first conference on In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), in collaboration with the Satellite Applications Catapult in May at Harwell, UK. Attending the first United Nations Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities by its Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in June in Vienna, Austria. Sponsoring the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo, Japan in July, for which we also funded 8 scholarships for young people in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Attending and speaking at Space-Comm Expo Scotland, in September in Glasgow, UK Hosting a working group on space debris at the Space Generation Congress in October in Milan, Italy, and providing scholarship funding for 2 young professionals / students to attend both this and IAC, in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council. Gold sponsor of the 75th International Astronautical Conference (IAC), with the theme “Responsible Space for Sustainability” in October in Milan, Italy. Attending and speaking at New Scientist Live in October in London, UK. Read more about our Engagement activities and Events Media Mentions


UK Space Agency-funded work on space sustainability has featured in numerous media articles this year, including:
BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science, An article in the Guardian about Space Junk. An article in the BBC about satellite refuelling. Series 4 Episode 6 and  Series 4 Episode 13 of the In Orbit podcast from the Satellite Applications Catapult. An article in Business and Industry about ADR. An article in The Sun newspaper in print (see opposite). Public Outreach


Education Outreach Awards:
The UK Space Agency Space Sustainability team, jointly with AstroAgency, were delighted to be one of three finalists for a Sir Arthur Clarke award in the "Education and Outreach" category, for our work promoting the UK's efforts towards a potential UK national ADR mission. 
 
Congratulations to Sophie Allen from the National Space Academy, who was the winner of the “Education and Outreach” category, and to Max Alexander, who won the “Media, Broadcast & Written” category for his Our Fragile Space Photography exhibition, part-funded by the UK Space Agency (see below).
Read more

Sustainable Space Community Hub:
In collaboration with BSI, in September we launched a Sustainable Space Community Hub, a place for stakeholders to connect, get news & updates as they happen, learn more about our work and post about their own.
Join the Hub now

Space Sustainability Videos:
This year we produced two videos showcasing the UK Space Agency’s work on Space Sustainability.  The first video showcases our portfolio of work and was premiered at the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo in July, while the second video highlights our outreach efforts aimed at reaching new audiences, particularly communicating the importance of sustainability in space to the next generation.
Watch the Sustainability video Watch the Next Generation video



Arts Outreach:
The Our Fragile Space Photography exhibition by photographer Max Alexander, which is part-funded by the UK Space Agency, was featured at the Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo in July, and had a 6 week run at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The exhibition aims to tell the story of space debris, and connect the Earth to the near-space environment. The exhibition will be open to the public on the Queen’s Walk, by The Old London City Hall/Tower Bridge in London in 2025.
 
The UK Space Agency’s Space Sustainability Team also collaborated with theatre company Orange Skies, who are developing a theatrical production about the impact of space debris, which includes a puppet based on SuitSat.  Orange Skies puppeteers joined us at New Scientist Live to engage with young people and the general public about space debris, and bring the issue to life.  
Watch a video about the ‘Our Fragile Space’ photography exhibition Learn more about the SpaceJunk Theatre Production 2025 Key Events

Ignite Space 2025
February 5-6 2025, National Space Centre, Leicester
 
Showcasing an industry worth more than £17.5bn to the UK economy, this event will accelerate growth and collaboration across the sector, and will include a session on Space Sustainability on Day 1.
 
9th European Conference on Space Debris
1-4 April, World Conference Centre, Bonn, Germany
 
The largest dedicated gathering on the subject, organised by the ESA Space Debris Office. Internationally renowned scientists, engineers, operators, industry experts, lawyers and policy makers meet here to discuss different aspects of space debris research, including measurement techniques, environment modelling theories, risk analysis techniques, protection designs, mitigation & remediation, as well linking with policy and regulation. 
 
ISAM Conference 2025
June 4-6 2025, International Convention Centre, Belfast, UK
 
Building on the success of IOSM 2024,the UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult, are delighted to announce the In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the conversations that will help define the future of space.
   

 
 
 
 

Christmas Card Competition Winners Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winners of our 2024 #KeepSpaceTidy Christmas Card Competition.  Congratulations to Alfie Able, Billy Hope, Julia Taylor, and Chris Hunt!
We had a large number of very high quality entries and were really impressed with all the creativity shown.  Every entry has helped us to raise awareness of the impact of space debris and the need to #KeepSpaceTidy, so thank you all for entering!   

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly round-up of Sustainable Space news highlights:
China Set to Launch First Guowang Megaconstellation Satellites on Long March 5B
China is preparing to launch the first satellites for its Guowang megaconstellation using a Long March 5B rocket. Spacenews reports that the launch is expected to take place in the coming days from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre on Hainan Island. The Guowang project aims to establish a national satellite internet constellation to provide global broadband coverage and support China's digital economy, national security, and international connectivity goals. This initiative is seen as a response to SpaceX's Starlink and other similar megaconstellation plans.
The Future of Aerospace Campaign Launch
Matt Archer (Director of Launch at UK Space Agency) has contributed an article for the Future of Aerospace Campaign Launch. The article highlights the importance of active debris removal (ADR) technology in addressing the growing issue of space debris, which is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of space operations. The article emphasises the UK's contributions to developing and implementing these technologies. You can read the article here. A digital copy of the print campaign can be found on issuu. The campaign also features an article from Northumbria University about the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, and from SpaceCareers.uk about career opportunities in the sector. 
Space Sustainability in Hong Kong
An opinion piece in SpaceWatch.Global discusses the recent Space Sustainability Conference in Hong Kong. 
Geomagnetic storms cause “mass migrations” of satellites
SpaceNews reports that a pair of major geomagnetic storms this year led to unprecedented "mass migrations" of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. These storms created new concerns about space traffic coordination. The phenomenon was first observed in May during a significant solar event called the Gannon storm, which increased atmospheric density at low Earth orbit altitudes by up to an order of magnitude. This increased density resulted in more drag, affecting satellite orbits and causing position errors. Consequently, nearly 5,000 satellites, primarily Starlink, performed orbit-raising manoeuvres in one day, marking the largest mass migration in history. This record was broken in October after another geomagnetic storm
LeoLabs announces 7th operational radar site
LeoLabs has announced a new radar site in Arizona, US.  This will be the company's 7th operational radar site, and its first utilising next-generation Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radar technology which will unlock advanced Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) capabilities, reports SpaceWatch.Global. 
America must win the race for space solar power — or buy it from China
An opinion piece from Spacenews emphasises the urgency for America to lead in the development of space-based solar power (SBSP) or risk buying it from China. SBSP involves satellites collecting solar power in space and beaming it back to Earth using microwave transmission, providing clean power 24/7. The article suggests that while the U.S. debates energy policy, China is advancing rapidly, planning to build a prototype SBSP system by 2030. This technology could revolutionize energy, military operations, and industrial development in orbit. The stakes are high, as mastering SBSP could grant energy independence and control over a multi-trillion-dollar market.

Blog: Harwell Campus Tour

The UK Space Agency Sustainability team were recently delighted to welcome three finalists from the Viasat Beyond:Space 2024 competition to our new headquarters at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
The Harwell Campus is a 700-acre site in Oxfordshire which is home to over 200 organisations.  These employ over 7,500 scientists, engineers and innovators, working in a wide variety of fields, including many involved in space applications.  
The day started with introductions, and an overview of the UK Space Agency's portfolio of Space Sustainability work from Ray Fielding, Head of Sustainability.  This was followed by a presentation from Tobias Häfner, Flight Segment Manager at ClearSpace, about their work on Active Debris Removal (ADR) and satellite life extension, followed by informal Q&A over lunch.
In the afternoon we were welcomed by colleagues from around the campus for a tour of facilities. The first stop was the Astroscale clean room, where work is ongoing to develop active debris removal technology. After donning appropriate gear to protect the delicate equipment inside the clean room we were given a guided tour and allowed to handle some of the less sensitive pieces of equipment.

Left to Right: Ash Goldsmith (winner), Meysha Tennyson (finalist) and Krish Thackrar (finalist) from the Viasat Beyond:Space competition, in the Astroscale clean room, on a visit to the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. 
The next stop on the tour was at RAL Space, where we viewed a variety satellite testing facilities, and heard about RAL's long history of involvement with spaceflight.

RAL Space Timeline
The last stop of the day was to OrbitFab, where development is underway of satellite refuelling technology, with the aim of developing a "Cosmic petrol station" by 2027. 

Mural in the OrbitFab offices on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
For more information, including on occasional public open days at the campus, visit the Harwell Campus website.

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly round-up of Sustainable Space news highlights:
Space traffic coordination in the news
A UN panel on space traffic coordination in late October has led to reports in numerous publications, including Reuters, Times of India and the Daily Star, on the growing urgency of space traffic coordination due to the rapid rise in in satellites and space debris.  The story was also picked up pictorially by CNBC TV18. 
European satellite makers eye collaboration to take on Starlink
Reuters reports European satellite heavyweights Airbus, Thales and Leonardo are exploring plans for a new company to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, which has established dominance in low-Earth orbit. Codenamed “Project Bromo”, the project could be modelled after MBDA, an existing joint collaboration in missile manufacture between Airbus, Leonardo and BAE Systems.
Dark skies in jeopardy from satellite constellations
The EPFL Space Center, who last week co-hosted the Space Debris and Sustainability Conference in Hong Kong, discuss the potentially limiting effect of the significant increase in the numbers of satellites, on our view of the night sky.  From January 6-8 2025 the Center will host the Swiss Space Sustainability Research Days where Dark and Quiet Skies will be a key topic on the agenda.
New 100+ satellite constellation receives funding for global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity
Spanish company Sateliot has been granted a €30 million loan by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to co-finance the rollout of its constellation of over 100 LEO satellites, which will provide IoT connectivity worldwide, reports SpaceWatch.Global. 
Space Development Agency (SDA) signs Zero Debris Charter (ZDC)
SpaceWatch.Global report on the signing of the European Space Agency's Zero Debris Charter, by the Space Development Agency, in a move to strengthen its cooperation on space safety and sustainability with the European Space Agency.  Launched by ESA in November 2023, the ZDC is a voluntary agreement which aims to achieve Zero Debris by 2030. The UK signed the ZDC in May 2024. 
How space debris affects life on Earth
MSN reports on two recent collision avoidance maneuvers made by the International Space Station within one week, and discuss space debris and its potential impacts. 
Chinese rocket debris lands in Philippine waters
Inquirer.net reports on an announcement by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) that debris from two Chinese rockets may have fallen into the West Philippine Sea, and warned of possible risks to vessels in the projected drop zone.
Orbital Toll Framework
An article in The Space Review by Polina Shtern, a recent graduate of the International Space University, highlights issues with as yet unproven technologies such as Active Debris Removal (ADR) attracting investment, and suggests an Orbital Toll Framework, governed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as the solution. 
How space affects life on Earth
The Sky at Night magazine reports on the complex relationship between Earth and space, and the intricate bond between them, including space junk.
ISS disposal raises pollution concerns
The planned disposal of the International Space Station into the ocean, and resulting concerns around oceanic and atmospheric pollution, is discussed by Space.com.
Space Machines Company to collaborate with Lunasa
Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm Space Machines Company has recently announced a strategic collaboration with UK-based ISAM technology developer Lunasa, reports Space Daily. 
Record increases in satellite launches
In their year-end graphic about spaceflight, Graphic News highlight the increasing number of satellite launches, and the increasing amount of space debris. 
Sustainable Lunar exploration
The BBC reports on plans by Nasa to adopt the philosophy from Earth of reduce, reuse and recycle for the next phase of Lunar exploration.

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly round-up of Sustainable Space news highlights:
 
NASA offers $3 million in cash prizes to solve a problem that is not rocket science
The Daily Mail features a story about how NASA is looking to crowdsource solutions that would help future astronauts more efficiently reuse the material they bring up to Earth's natural satellite, offering $3 million in cash prizes via its new 'LunaRecycle Challenge.'
T.S. Kelso Award Winner Announced
The 2024 T.S. Kelso Award has been won by Dr. Thomas Schildknecht, a leading expert in space debris, space safety and space sustainability, who pioneered optical space debris tracking.  The award is presented annually by the Space Data Association as a recognition of outstanding contributions to space flight safety.  The award was covered by SpaceWatch.Global in a recent episode of Space Nuggets on youTube.  
ISS dodges second piece of debris in a week
Space.com reports on the second debris avoidance maneuver performed by the ISS in 6 days to provide extra distance between the space station and a satellite fragment due to pass nearby.  The story was also covered by Digital Trends , BGR, Gadgets 360 and MSN. 
Calls for better data, innovation and regulation to tackle space debris threat
Space.com reports on a panel discussion “Space Debris Mitigation – the Growing Threat of Space Junk” at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. 
Scientists Concerned about Atmospheric Ablation effects
An article in Science News discusses the potential climate impact of satellites re-entering into Earth's atmosphere, particularly on the Ozone layer.  This topic is also picked up by Business Insider. 
Starlink's effects on Stargazing 
The potential impact of Starlink satellites on astronomy are discussed by Geeksided. 
Impact of Space Debris on life on Earth
The space debris situation, and its potential impact on life on Earth, is discussed by the Times of India. 
 

Arthur Clarke Awards - Sustainable Space Nominations & Winners

The UK Space Agency Space Sustainability team, jointly with AstroAgency, were delighted to be one of three finalists for the a Sir Arthur Clarke award in the "Education and Outreach" category, for their work promoting the UK's efforts towards a potential UK national ADR mission.  The category was won by Sophie Allen from the National Space Academy. 

The Sir Arthur Clarke Awards, better known as The Arthurs, have been presented annually by the British Interplanetary Society since 2005, to recognise and reward those individuals and teams that have made notable or outstanding achievements in, or contributions to, space activities within the UK.
The award ceremony was attended by Ray Fielding, Head of Sustainability at the UK Space Agency, and Liz Cox, Engagement lead in the Sustainability team.  
Also nominated were Kathy Bowden, Skills Manager at the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Jeremy Curtis, former Head of Education and Skills at the UK Space Agency, both for the 2023-24 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their dedicated work to developing talent in the space industry.
Congratulations go to photographer Max Alexander, who's exhibition "Our Fragile Space", which has been sponsored by the UK Space Agency, was the winner in the "Media, Broadcast and Written" category. 

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly round-up of Sustainable Space news highlights:
Satellite Servicing Robots developed by NRL
SpaceWatch Global reports on the development of Robotics capable of servicing Satellites by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST).  The a spaceflight-qualified robotics suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit, known as Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP), has been developed in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). 
NSpOC October update
The UK’s National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) has published its report for October 2024, detailing its efforts to protect both the UK and space. The report highlights a slight increase in collision alerts compared to September, while noting a decrease in the number of large objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. This trend is expected to continue as planned re-entry campaigns wind down. Throughout the month of October, all NSpOC warning and protection services functioned as anticipated.
International Space Station maneuvers to avoid space debris
The International Space Station performed collision avoidance maneuvers to increase the distance between it and a piece of debris from a defunct satellite.  The story was covered by numerous outlets including USA Today, Space.com, NPR, and Aviation Week. 
Orion Space Solutions receives additional funding for Tetra-6 mission refuelling mission
Orion Space Solutions (Orion) has received a 4-year award from the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) to support their work on the Tetra-6 mission to address space refueling, as reported on SpaceWatch Global. 
ISAM 2025 Conference Announcement
The UK Space Agency have announced the dates and location of next year’s In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference, being delivered in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult. The event will take place at the ICC Belfast on 4-6 June 2025, and is expected to be triple the size of the inaugural conference which was held in Harwell in May 2024. 
'Giant Cannon' launch alternative under investigation
SpaceWatch Global report on work by  Longshot Space on a "big-ass cannon" as an alternative launch method which has the potential to reduce launch costs, increase sustainability, and improve availability of launch. 
 

Announcement of ISAM Conference 2025!

The UK’s second In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference will take place at the ICC Belfast on 4-6 June 2025.
The event is back in 2025, following the success of the inaugural conference in 2024. The 2025 event will be triple the size, reflecting the demand amongst the ISAM community both in the UK and internationally.
The Conference will bring together international experts, industry leaders, and professionals from both space and non-space sectors to explore the growing opportunities within ISAM.
It will include an expanded exhibition area to showcase innovative technologies, interactive roundtables, enhanced networking opportunities, and opportunities for academic posters.
With a focus on fostering international collaboration and expanding cross-sector partnerships, the event will highlight the UK’s pivotal role in advancing space capabilities and provide a unique opportunity for the ISAM community to connect, share insights, and explore the future.
To find out more about the ISAM Conference 2025 and register for updates about sponsorship, exhibiting and speaking, visit the ISAM Conference website.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of UK Space Agency, said:
John Abbott, CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, said:

2024 Christmas Card Competition!

📢 Calling all artists - Santa’s deliveries are at risk from space debris! 🎅
We’re looking for Christmas card designs illustrating the need to #KeepSpaceTidy, so that Santa and the satellites we rely on stay safe. 🛰️ 🎅🛷
Art is a vital tool for communicating science, and we are looking for eye-catching and impactful Christmas card designs which illustrate the importance of space sustainability and the need to #KeepSpaceTidy, so that Santa and all the satellites we rely on stay safe.  This will be sent online to all our global stakeholders!
Did you know:
There are over 10,000 functioning satellites in orbit around the Earth, and we are launching thousands more every year. These satellites provide critical services we all rely on every day, from communication and maps on our smartphones to weather forecasts and online banking, and data crucial to vital activities such as climate monitoring, scientific research, emergency services and disaster relief. The orbits we use for these satellites are becoming congested with space debris including defunct satellites which got damaged, broke down or ran out of fuel, discarded rocket stages and other objects which are all travelling at orbital velocities of ~8km/s, ~10 times the speed of a bullet!   The satellites we rely on are at risk from collisions with space debris, which could be catastrophic for the space infrastructure we rely on. The UK Space Agency promotes the sustainable use of space through a wide range of initiatives, both within the UK and through the European Space Agency.  For more information visit our website and watch a video about our work. 
We are looking for designs for a Christmas card to help us communicate the scale and urgency of this problem and what we are doing about it, to encourage people to behave responsibly and work together to protect our space environment and #KeepSpaceTidy, and to ensure our use of space is sustainable for future generations.
How to Enter:
Design a Christmas card which helps us communicate the problem of space debris and the work we are doing to tackle it.   This could be drawn, painted, crafted, or designed digitally. Post your design on social media, using the hashtag #KeepSpaceTidy, along with a paragraph about why space sustainability is important. Submit a high-quality version of your image, along with your information, via our online form. The competition closes on 15 December 2024.  Entries will be divided into 4 age categories: 0-6, 7-12, 13-17 and 18+.  The winners will be announced online by December 20th, and will receive a Christmas parcel of UK Space Agency merchandise.  The winning entries in each age category will be sent as a Christmas card to our Space Sustainability stakeholders, and the overall winner will be used for the UK Space Agency 2024 Christmas Card.
Terms and Conditions:
Designs must be your own work, and AI-generated images are NOT permitted.  We reserve the right to disqualify any images we have reason to believe are plagiarised or AI-generated. 
To qualify, designs must be posted to social media using the hashtag #KeepSpaceTidy, along with a paragraph about the importance of tackling space debris, and submitted via our online form.
By submitting your design via our form you give permission for the image to be used by the UK Space Agency and chosen partners in promotional material and publications – including online and in print – now and in the future, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership.
Your personal information will be processed in accordance with the Agency’s public task and legitimate interests, and your right to object to the processing of your personal data is not affected. The UK Space Agency is committed to processing personal information in accordance with all applicable data protection laws and will ensure that the rights and interests of data subjects are weighted appropriately.  The name and age category for each winning designer will be published on social media, sent online to our stakeholders with our digital Christmas cards, and may be published elsewhere alongside the winning designs. All other personal data will be deleted within 6 months from the competition closing date.
Entries will be judged by the UK Space Agency’s Space Sustainability team.  The judges’ decision is final.
 

Blog: Diamond Light Facilities Tour

The UK Space Agency's Space Sustainability team were recently delighted to be invited to join a tour of the Diamond Light Source facility at Harwell by our colleagues in Education and Future Workforce.  

The Sustainability team joined Agency colleagues on a tour of the Diamond Light facility.
Nestled in the heart of the Harwell Science and Innovation campus, also home to the UK Space Agency's head-quarters, the Diamond Light facility is a striking and hard to miss stadium-shaped building more than half a kilometre in circumference, which houses the UK’s national synchrotron.
Unlike many synchrotrons, which act as particle colliders, the Diamond Light facility harnesses the power of its electron beam to generate high intensity electromagnetic radiation whis is then used, like a giant microscope, to study samples of anything from fossils to jet engines to viruses or vaccines.

A model of the facility shows the various "beamlines" positioned tangentially to the path around which the electrons travel at close to the speed of light, giving off light 10 billion times brighter than the sun.
Always keen to make connections with our colleagues across the campus, the Sustainability team jumped at the chance to learn more about what goes on inside the facility.  We were treated to a quick physics refresher, a brief history lesson, and some intriguing information about the construction of the facility.  Due to the sensitivity of the equipment it has to be insulated from vibrations from sources such as nearby roads, which presents challenges when construction work is carried out elsewhere on campus, which is a regular occurrence at present.  
Rather than travelling in a circular path, the Diamond Light synchrotron is a 50-sided polygon, known as a pentacontagon.  At each corner of the polygon the path of the beam of electrons is bent by powerful electromagnets, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation which passes through an optics hutch, where it is filtered to select the frequency and focused onto the sample in the experimental lab. Here the radiation can be used for imaging, diffraction or spectroscopy, across a vast range of scientific areas, including health and medicine, nanotechnology, food science, forensics, archaeology, engineering, and earth and environmental sciences.  It has even been used to investigate moon rock samples returned to Earth by the Apollo space missions. 

A variety of large magnets are used to direct the electron beam on its path around the synchrotron.  
The scale of the facility is impressive to behold, with the vast Experimental Hall housing the individual cabins which in turn house the various optics hatches and experimental labs, stretching away into the distance. 

The Diamond Light Facility Experimental Hall.  The large yellow boxes are lead-lined hutches which house optical and experimental equipment.
We were lucky enough to visit during a time when the beam was shut down for maintenance, so were able to take a peek inside the area where the beam circulates in a narrow metal tube, and were assured there was no radiation risk, despite the numerous warning signs.
 
Warning sign on the entry to the storage ring area & Equipment inside the storage ring area.
Diamond Light is a Government funded facility, and we were fascinated to learn that it is free for academic users who have had their beamtime proposal accepted by an external body of scientific advisors. Only a small percentage (10%) of Diamond’s beamtime is available for fee-paying industry users.
For more information about the Diamond Light facility, check out their website.  

  

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know.space ISAM survey - deadline extended!

know.space is conducting important research for the UK Space Agency on the value of opportunities in the emerging In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector. This research will support UKSA in identifying strategic opportunities for funding, policy, and infrastructure in the UK and beyond.
Deadline Extended - don't miss your chance to participate!

If you are a potential customer or supplier in the ISAM field - particularly in Active Debris Removal (ADR), Last Mile Delivery (LMD), Life Extension Services (LES), and/or Controlled De-Orbiting - we’d love your insights! By participating in our short online survey (5-15 minutes), you will help to inform government action to support and grow the ISAM sector.

📝 Take the survey here : https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Opportunities_ISAM/

⏰ The deadline has been extended to November 22nd - please respond as soon as possible!

Our research also covers opportunities for In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly, for which we are engaging with stakeholders (especially operators and potential users) directly - if you would like to share your perspectives, please reach out to us at [email protected] to arrange a consultation.

Your participation will be essential in shaping the future of the ISAM industry, and we appreciate every response. If you have any questions, reach out at [email protected].

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly round-up of Sustainable Space news highlights:
 
The mystery of Skynet-1A
In Jonathan Amos’ final piece as BBC science correspondent, he explores the mystery of why the UK’s oldest satellite, which was launched in 1969 to an orbit above Africa, now sits over the Americas. The article notes that its current position is problematic as it comes close to other satellite traffic on a regular basis, and that the UK is responsible for it and may wish to consider moving it. The MOD said Skynet-1A is constantly monitored by the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). The story has been picked up by a range of other outlets including the Daily Mail and GB News.
World Space Week 2025 to emphasise the importance of sustainable space exploration
Space Watch Global reports on the announcement by the The World Space Week Association (WSWA) regarding the theme of Space Week 2025, which will be from October 4-10 2025.  The focus of the week will be on "Living in Space”, and will emphasise the importance of sustainable space exploration and habitation practices.  Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space who will serve as the Honorary Chair for next year’s event, said “As we advance our capabilities and exploratory activities in space, we have a responsibility to develop technologies which are sustainable for both space and Earth,”
Starlink satellite re-entry produces fireball over US
Numerous eyewitnesses reported seeing a bright meteor over Colorado, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma on Saturday (Nov. 9) just after 10:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (11:00 p.m. EST or 0400 GMT on Nov. 10). The fireball was thought to have been caused by the re-entry of SpaceX's Starlink-4682 spacecraft, according to Space.com.  This satellite was one of 54 which launched in 2022 on the Starlink 4-23 mission.  The article highlights the increasing concerns about the environmental effects of satellites burning up on re-entry, known as atmospheric ablation, on the earth's atmosphere. 
More launch companies are betting their future on reusability
The success of SpaceX’s reusable technology is pushing other companies and countries to adopt similar practices to stay competitive, according to Space News. The article notes that despite private companies’ best efforts, Europe is seen as ‘lagging behind’ in terms of reusability and emphasised the need for Europe to adapt to the changing landscape.
SpaceNews announces 2024 Icon Awards
Tickets for the 2024 Icon Awards by Space News are now available.  There are 10 award categories this year, one of which is the "Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award", which highlights efforts aimed at reducing the environmental impact of space activities, promoting sustainability, and addressing space debris. The deadline for ticket registration is November 29th, and the awards will be presented at the InterContinental in Washington D.C. on December 6th. 
Clean Space Days 2024: THE place to discuss space sustainability
EFPL report on the Esa Clean Space Days 2024 in their online article.  Based in Switzerland and founded in 1969, EFPL is one of the youngest institutes of technology in the world.  The EPFL Space Center attended this year's Clean Space Days giving several presentations and posters team members and students, including on a case study performed in collaboration with ArianeGroup to estimate the environmental impacts of families of future launch vehicles, and on masters thesis on topics such as "Simulating Space Policy Implications on Collision Avoidance Decisions Using the Environment-Vulnerability-Decision-Technology Framework” and “Optimization of GEO Satellites On-Orbit Refuelling for Sustainable Space Logistics”. They also showcased progress made on the EPFL’s Handbook on sustainable practices for spacecraft mission design. 
Aarti Holla-Maini on Space Diplomacy and Sustainability
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), joins host Torsten Kriening on Space Café Radio, to discuss space sustainability, traffic management, the role of private companies, and global cooperation for peaceful space usage, including the recent UN Pact for the Future and upcoming Unispace IV conference in 2027. 
China unveils fully reusable rocket design
China has announced a new rocket design that will be fully reusable, similar to rockets from SpaceX. The new version of the Long March 9 rocket will be able to return its booster and upper stage back to landing pads to be re-used, said the organisation behind the rocket, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The rocket will initially be used as a heavy-lift launcher – designed to meet China’s goals of a moon base, space-based solar power, and mega-constellations.
Denmark signs Artemis Accords
Denmark has signed the Artemis Accords with NASA, becoming the 48th nation to do so. The Artemis Accords were established in 2020, with a set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity as it plans to return to the Moon and beyond. The UK was one of the founding members of the Accords in 2020.
Lunar Orbiters in Near Miss
Indian Defence News reports on collision avoidance manoeuvres successfully executed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, to prevent potential collisions with other lunar spacecraft including the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).  The report highlights the number of such near misses, with numerous "red alarms" being generated in the last 18 months by a collaborative system to track orbital data and assess collision risks in cis-lunar space, and the effective coordination among ISRO, KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute), and NASA which has facilitated the successful avoidance of these collisions. 
 

Weekly News Highlights

A weekly digest of Sustainable Space news highlights:
Space Forge and Voyager sign MoU for in-space manufacturing
Electronics Weekly reports Space Forge has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Voyager Space to support in-space research and manufacturing. Under the MoU, the companies will explore integrating Space Forge’s ForgeStar returnable satellite platform with Voyager’s existing orbital capabilities, and will also work together on funding applications for commercial customers.
Space Situational Awareness AI shortlisted for award
Slingshot Aerospace has been shortlisted for the Space News Icon 2024 award in Space Safety and Security for innovative contributions to space situational awareness, including its "Agatha AI" system. Agatha uses advanced AI to monitor behaviors across thousands of satellites, and detect potential threats and flag suspicious activities with precision.
Iodine satellite propulsion under investigation
ONERA, ThrustMe, and Airbus Defence and Space are exploring iodine-based propulsion for satellites, reports Spacewatch Global.  The collaborators have commenced their joint Iodine Propulsion Interaction with Satellites and Components (IPISC) project, supported by ESA and CNES. The project aims to evaluate iodine’s potential as a new propellant for satellites weighing over 500 kg,  as a replacement for current electric propulsion propellants, such as xenon and krypton, which are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.  The project will ensure that iodine can meet the demands of larger, more complex, and longer-duration missions.
World’s first wooden satellite launched to space
The very first wooden satellite built by Japanese scientists was launched into space on Tuesday in an early trial to test the use of timber in future Moon and Mars missions. The 10cm-cube satellite, called LignoSat, is made by Kyoto University in collaboration with the logging company Sumitomo Forestry, and will be released into an orbit about 400km (250 miles) above the Earth. The story has been covered by Reuters and The Independent.
Lunar Builders: Robotic Arm Challenge 
The Satellite Applications Catapult, in collaboration with ESA, are launching a challenge for university students to programme a 2-armed robot to assemble structures using lunar regolith blocks.  The competition is split into 2 phases, an initial simulation phase followed by a hackathon.  The competition kicks off on November 18th.
Turning Robots into Thrusters 
In a recent blog post, the Satellite Applications Catapult talk about the most recent upgrades to their ISAM facility at Westcott, which are being funded by the UK Space Agency.   
See also: Collision Without Failure: Simulating What Happens When Spacecraft “Bump” & The Future of ISAM in the UK: Upgrading and Innovating in Westcott.

Spacecraft could be fuelled by space junk collected in orbit

The Daily Telegraph (paywall) reports UK tech startup Magdrive is developing a groundbreaking propulsion system which turns aluminium or copper into hot, dense plasma using stored power generated by solar powers, which is then ejected to create thrust.
With an estimated 10,000 tonnes of debris floating in space, the company believes that the innovation could help clean up Earth’s congested orbit, as well as creating a cutting-edge engine which could allow satellites and other spacecraft to last up to three times as long as they currently do.
 

Media Mentions

An article in the guardian about Space Junk speaks to Astroscale about their Active Debris Removal (ADR) work.  Meanwhile the BBC spoke to Orbit Fab about their refuelling study, and ClearSpace were mentioned in The Sun newspaper in print (see below), after speaking to a reporter at New Scientist Live.

•    Read the Guardian Article
•    Read the BBC Article

UK Space Agency “Next Generation” Sustainability Video now on youTube

To complement the recently updated video showcasing the UK Space Agency’s portfolio of Space Sustainability activities, we have released a second video highlighting our outreach efforts aimed at reaching new audiences, particularly communicating the importance of sustainability in space to the next generation. 
Both videos can be seen below, or are available in the Hub Resources - Media section.
Next Generation Video:
Sustainability Video:
 
Sustainability Video:
 

UK and New Zealand agree blueprint for satellite removal and servicing missions

The UK and New Zealand have signed a blueprint for enabling multi-state active debris removal and in-orbit servicing missions. The arrangement, the first of its kind in the world, was signed at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan. It provides a set of principles for allocating liability between different states involved in the different stages of these missions, within the framework of the Liability Convention.   
As the Liability Convention was established in 1967, when most space missions were led by governments, the UK and New Zealand are hoping to reduce barriers for industry to carry out these important mission types. 
•    Read more

ESA In-Orbit Servicing mission

ESA recently awarded a contract to D-Orbit for their commercial geostationary in-orbit servicing mission 'RISE', led by Italy.  A small UK consortium led by D-Orbit-UK is supporting the mission, funded through the ESA Space Safety Programme.
Through the ESA Programme the UK is also supporting the ClearSpace-1 (or ADRIOS-1) active debris removal mission and ClearSpace's geostationary in-orbit servicing mission ENCORE.  All of the missions are expected to launch in 2027 - 2028.
The ESA Programme is developing a wide range of technologies for observing, tracking and mitigating the risk of space debris.
•    Read the announcement

NSpOC track Polaris Dawn and Intelsat 33E debris.

In September the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) reported on the re-entry of ESA's satellite 'Salsa', which landed in the South Pacific. and the debris from Polaris Dawn mission which re-entered over the Atlantic. 
NSpOC are currently tracking debris from the breakup of Intelsat 33E which took place on the 19th October, and maintaining an assessment of collision risk to UK satellites including SKYNET 5D, a UK military operations satellite. This is the second fragmentation in GEO in as many months, with Atlas 5 Centaur rocket body fragmenting in September.    

The most recent NSpOC public monthly report records monitoring of  50 uncontrolled debris re-entries, and warnings to UK-licensed satellite operators of over 3,000 potential collision risks, the highest monthly number of such warnings this year.  Recent uncontrolled re-entries peaked in August at 89, when the numbers were particularly high due to planned re-entry campaigns which were designed for demise.
•    Read the August NSpOC report
•    Read the September NSpOC report

  

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Update: Refuelling Studies

Two UK Space Agency funded refuelling feasibility studies, led by Astroscale and ClearSpace, have recently been completed.  
The other two ongoing studies, led by Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space, are due to complete later this year. 
 
Featured Image Credit: Orbit Fab

  

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Survey Launched: Opportunities and Value of the ISAM Market

As part of their work on researching the future opportunities and value of the In-space Service, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) market, know.space are conducting a survey focused on Active Debris Removal (ADR), Last Mile Delivery (LMD), Life Extension Services (LES), and Controlled De-Orbiting.  
The survey should take ~5-15 minutes to complete and inputs from UK and non-UK orgs are both valuable and encouraged.  The survey deadline is November 17 and the study is due to complete in January 2025.
Their research also covers opportunities for In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly, for which they are engaging with stakeholders (especially operators and potential users) directly - if you would like to share your perspectives, please reach out to them at [email protected] to arrange a consultation.
Respond to the Survey Here

Orbit Fab and Astroport join forces

SpaceNews reports that pioneering in-space refuelling and in-situ resource utilisation company Orbit Fab have announced a strategic partnership with Astroport Space Technologies, announced at the 75th International Aeronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan in October, with a focus on the sustainability of lunar missions.  
Amongst the aims of the partnership are collaboration to enhance Orbit Fab's “Gas Stations in Space™” to ensure fuel is available for spacecraft operating in lunar orbit and on the lunar surface. This will enable longer missions, while also reducing launch costs and long-term risks to the space environment.
Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab, said, “We are excited to partner with Astroport to explore the vast potential of lunar resources and to develop the infrastructure needed to support and fuel future space exploration activities.
Sam Ximenes, founder and CEO of Astroport, added “By developing our technologies in essential lunar resource extraction with a supporting infrastructure enabling a supply chain capability for Orbit Fab’s innovative approach to orbital in-space refueling, we can create the foundation for a thriving lunar economy.”
 

US Military uncertain about ISAM

Although interested in satellite refuelling services, the US military remain to be convinced by other ISAM services, reports SpaceNews. 
The US military operates some of the most expensive geostationary satellites, so keeping them functioning for as long as possible is high priority, and refuelling has attracted their attention.  However more advanced services, such as component replacement or repair, have yet to win buy-in from this key potential early customer, likely due to technical uncertainties and budgetary constraints.  
Lori Gordon, director of the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at Aerospace Corp., highlighted the need for clear pathways to government contracts and moves to increase investor confidence to avoid innovative technologies being stuck at the prototype stage, and failing to become viable products. 

Space Forge and Voyager Sign In-Space Manufacturing MoU

SpaceWatch global report on the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Space Foge and Voyager Space.  They will look at integrating Space Forge's ForgeStar series, a commercially driven, flexible, reusable platform focused on in-space research and manufacturing, with Voyager’s orbital capabilities.  
Voyager and Space forge, working together, will harness the unique environment of space to deliver higher quality material production standards than can be achieved on Earth, while reducing carbon emissions and energy usage.  It is hoped that this will produce next-level solutions for a range of industries requiring high-performance materials.  
 
Featured image credit: Space Forge