During the ESA Ministerial summit in Seville, ministers in charge of space affairs from the 22 ESA Member States agreed on a budget of 14.4 billion euros to fund space-related projects. One of the beneficiaries is the Swiss startup Clear Space, which will take a leading role in the project ‘Space safety and security’ for the removal of space debris.
During the two-day ESA Ministerial summit held Seville, Spain ministers in charge of space affairs and other participants including Martina Hirayama, the Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, set goals to support ongoing programs and new initiatives of ESA in order to strengthen Europe’s position as the prime European player in space.
The congregation also approved the investment of 14.4 billion euros in the future of European space for the next three years. Member states agreed to strengthen their commitment in supporting projects in four fields: Science and exploration, Space safety and security, Space safety and security, Space transportation and technology.
Funds and project lead role to remove space debris
For the pillar Space safety and security, Switzerland takes the lead in the removal of space debris thanks to ClearSpace, a spin-off from the EPFL Space Center focusing on developing technologies and services to remove unresponsive (failed) satellites from space. The startup has received funding for its ClearSpace-1 ADR mission under the ESA ADRIOS programme. ESA has also selected ClearSpace to be the leader of the industrial consortium for the project.
Acknowledging the receipt of funds, ClearSpace announced, “We can now focus on fulfilling our dream and delivering on the trust and backing for leading this groundbreaking step toward sustainable development and responsible exploration of Space.”
Swiss engagement in removing space debris and beyond
As the leading player in the removal of space debris, Switzerland will support the development of a mission to monitor space weather, which can have a direct impact on the availability of satellite services such as communication, navigation, and ground facilities. It will also be involved in a mission to protect the Earth from asteroid impacts (HERA) and the development of a system for automating avoidance of collision between satellites (CREAM).
Besides, the country will intensify its involvement in securing Europe's access to space (Ariane and Vega), participating in a global environmental observation programme, making a key contribution to a reusable ‘mini-shuttle’; and participating in ‘Artemis’, the USA’s human lunar exploration programme.
(Press release/ran)
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