In Orbit Servicing Control Centre, National Facility

Space Debris is a major global issue that for too long has been treated as a scientific research topic
and not been addressed. As of 2013 there were more than 100 million objects of less than 10cm
diameter1
, which can damage or destroy satellites and cause major commercial risks. This then
impacts citizens as space derived services are impacted. As an example, loss of satellite positioning
would cost the UK £1Bn/day.
This industry-led project was conceived by Astroscale (a Singaporean/Japanese Company) who will
launch two satellites in 2019 for use on this project. The consortia will develop the current Harwell
Control Centre to establish a national facility for In-Orbit Services operations. The state-of-the-art
system will form the basis for operating missions to clean up space and conduct other In-Orbit
servicing operations, providing the UK with a genuinely world leading capability.