How would you like to name a spaceship? The UK Space Agency is offering that rare chance, launching a public competition to name a pioneering spacecraft designed for one of the most critical jobs in orbit: cleaning up space junk.
A Cosmic Cleanup Mission
The UK's Active Debris
Removal (ADR) mission is a world-first initiative aiming to tackle the growing threat of orbital debris. Scheduled to launch in 2029 from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, the mission will send a unique spacecraft into low-Earth orbit to capture two defunct satellites. Using advanced robotics, including giant claws, the craft will grab these non-responsive British satellites and guide them into a lower orbit where they will safely burn up upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The mission, a collaboration with the company ClearSpace UK, is not just about disposal; it's a trailblazing effort to prove that a single spacecraft can remove multiple pieces of debris, making future cleanup operations more efficient.
The Growing Peril of Space Junk
For decades, Earth's orbit has become increasingly crowded. Beyond the thousands of active satellites providing us with GPS, communication, and weather forecasts, there are hundreds of thousands of pieces of space junk. This debris includes everything from entire defunct satellites and spent rocket stages to tiny flecks of paint. Travelling at speeds over 17,000 miles per hour, even a small object can inflict catastrophic damage on an operational satellite, potentially disrupting services we rely on daily. Experts warn of a potential 'Kessler Syndrome', a cascading chain reaction where collisions create more debris, which in turn causes more collisions, threatening to render entire orbits unusable for future generations.
A Chance to Make History
The UK Space Agency has invited the public to name this pioneering spacecraft. The competition, which closes on December 10, 2026, asks entrants to submit a name of no more than two words (or an acronym) along with a brief 150-word explanation. The goal is to find a name that reflects the mission's theme of keeping space clean and safe. The winning entry will be etched onto the side of the spacecraft and featured on the official mission patch. While the competition is officially open to UK residents, it has captured global attention, highlighting the shared importance of maintaining a sustainable space environment.
From 'Boaty McBoatface' to the Stars
Public naming competitions have a history of attracting humorous suggestions, most famously with the 'Boaty McBoatface' incident for a polar research vessel. Unsurprisingly, the online response to the ADR mission has been filled with witty proposals, including 'Obi Wan Cleanobi' and nods to the cleaning-obsessed Wombles from British children's television. However, the UK Space Agency has set out clear guidelines, steering entrants away from potentially controversial or silly names and towards more inspirational ones. The agency is looking for a name that captures the serious and groundbreaking nature of the mission, which is backed by over £60 million and represents a major step in developing an economy around in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.
The UK's Bid to Lead in Sustainability
This mission positions the UK as a leader in the crucial and growing field of space sustainability. By investing in active debris removal, the government aims to not only protect existing space infrastructure but also to foster innovation and attract investment into its space sector. The technology developed for the ADR mission, such as the robotic capture system and autonomous navigation, has wider applications for future services like satellite refuelling, repair, and in-space assembly. This initiative is a clear signal of Britain's intent to champion responsible practices in space, ensuring the orbital environment remains safe and usable for the thousands of satellites expected to launch in the coming years.
