Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled World-first mission puts UK expertise to work to help clean up space, published on 15 October 2026, what assessment has been made of the risks associated with capturing and de-orbiting defunct satellites, including the risk of creating additional debris during the operation.

For the defunct satellites selected for removal, data on their condition, stability and exact orbital tracks has been gathered through ground observation since 2023. The data shows that the defunct satellites are suitable for capture with the proposed technology. The design and construction of the target satellites have been extensively researched, including obtaining data and design drawings from the original builders. The debris removal satellite design incorporates collision-avoidance measures and a capture system intended to minimise debris generation.

The mission is required to comply with relevant space debris mitigation standards and will undergo further safety and technical assurance. The mission is subject to independent regulatory scrutiny by the Civil Aviation Authority.