An Ambitious 'Clean-Up' Mission
The mission in question is the UK's first national Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission. In simple terms, the UK is sending a robotic spacecraft into orbit to grab two defunct satellites and guide them to burn up safely in Earth's atmosphere. This is a crucial
task, as decades of space activity have left thousands of old satellites and pieces of junk in orbit, posing a threat to the thousands of active satellites we rely on for everything from mobile phones and online banking to weather forecasting. With tens of thousands more satellites expected to launch by 2030, space is getting crowded. This world-first mission, backed by over £60 million in government funding and developed with ClearSpace UK, aims to demonstrate that orbital 'housekeeping' is possible, positioning the UK as a leader in space sustainability.
The Power of a Great Name
A space mission's name is more than just a label; it becomes a vital part of its identity and legacy. Memorable names like Apollo, Voyager, and Curiosity capture the public's imagination and help tell the story of a mission's goals. For instance, British astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station was named 'Principia' to honour Sir Isaac Newton's groundbreaking work, linking a modern endeavour to a long history of scientific discovery. Similarly, NASA has often turned to the public, especially students, to name its rovers, resulting in inspiring names like 'Spirit', 'Opportunity', and 'Perseverance'. A strong name helps to raise public awareness and inspires future generations of scientists and engineers. For this debris removal mission, a fitting name will create a lasting identity for a project dedicated to protecting our vital orbital environment.
How You Can Make History
The UK Space Agency has made it simple for UK residents to participate. The competition is open until 5:00 PM GMT on December 10, 2026. Entrants need to propose a name—a maximum of two words, which can be an acronym—and provide a short explanation of up to 150 words on how the name reflects the mission's theme of keeping space clean and safe. The agency is looking for original ideas that haven't been used for other space missions and that avoid military themes, commercial brands, or potentially offensive terms. The winner will not only make history but will also see their chosen name etched on the side of the spacecraft itself and featured on the official mission patch.
A Word of Caution: 'Boaty McBoatface'
Public naming competitions carry a delightful risk of humour, as the UK's Natural Environment Research Council discovered in 2016. When they asked the public to name their new polar research vessel, the internet overwhelmingly voted for 'Boaty McBoatface'. While officials ultimately named the ship the 'RRS Sir David Attenborough', they honoured the public's choice by naming one of its autonomous underwater vehicles 'Boaty'. The UK Space Agency's contest has already attracted similarly lighthearted suggestions online, including 'Obi Wan Cleanobi' and 'Debris McGee'. While the judges will have the final say and can override a public choice for legal or other reasons, the humorous suggestions highlight the public's enthusiasm for engaging with national science projects.
A Growing Role in Space
This mission is a significant milestone for the UK's ambitions in space. The UK Space Agency, founded in 2010, oversees a space sector valued at over £17.5 billion. It plays a key role in regulating commercial space activities, including licensing Europe's first vertical launch site at SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, where this mission is expected to launch from in 2029. The active debris removal mission is part of a broader strategy focused on In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), which aims to create capabilities for repairing, refuelling, and repositioning satellites. By investing in these technologies, the UK is working to secure its role in the future of the global space economy while championing a more sustainable approach to orbital operations.
