Clear Orbit Secure Future 2026

3.1 Technology Technological innovation sits at the core of any sustainable debris strategy. The near-term priority is to reduce the creation of new debris through smarter design, automated collision avoidance and reliable post-mission disposal. In the longer term, progress depends on remediation capabilities that can actively remove or neutralize existing objects. Together, mitigation and remediation (see Table 4 for more detail) define the technological pathway to a safer and more stable orbital environment. Significant challenges continue to impede the large- scale implementation of these technologies. The sector still faces obstacles that hinder widespread adoption and operationalization. Most technology solutions from prevention to monitoring, active debris removal (ADR) or in-orbit servicing are still technically immature, highly costly and, for now, not commercially viable. The absence of sustainable business models and committed anchor customers further limits private investment and delays deployment. While industrial actors often advocate for such missions, few have succeeded in creating consistent demand beyond a single partial in-orbit demonstration and/or validation mission because of the lack of scalability and integration into operational frameworks. The transition from proof of concept to routine service remains challenging. Appendix C provides an overview of the main challenges and cost-related considerations per technology type. The commercially driven services related to LEO satellite constellations have intensified the need for reliable conjunction analysis and collision avoidance planning, as frequent manoeuvres directly affect fuel budgets and satellite lifetimes. This has spurred a growing market for space situational awareness (SSA) services, although challenges persist in interoperability (e.g. lack of standardized interfaces for telemetry and manoeuvre data), high infrastructure costs and fragmented governance. Solutions, such as autonomous collision-avoidance systems and AI- enhanced SSA analytics, are beginning to play a critical role in operational safety and mission efficiency. However, these systems cannot prevent debris-on- debris collisions, nor protect against impacts from small, non-trackable debris affecting active satellites.5 In the longer term, technologies such as ADR, in-orbit servicing and recycling capabilities will be essential to achieving a sustainable orbital environment. Global actors are increasingly accelerating investments into these technologies. For example, China’s current five-year roadmap6 focuses heavily on testing new technologies for space mission extension vehicles, innovative space propulsion and “space debris cleaning” capabilities. These technologies still face major technical challenges. Important limitations include restricted artificial intelligence (AI) autonomy, lack of durable radiation-hardened onboard computing and processing7 and the absence of common docking interfaces.8 Meanwhile, in-orbit recycling and manufacturing further require breakthroughs in material separation, contamination control and system compatibility across diverse spacecraft designs. Overcoming these obstacles will be critical to scaling next-generation debris removal and servicing missions. Addressing the challenge of space debris demands a coordinated, multidimensional approach that links technological innovation, economic incentives, legal and policy reform and international diplomacy. The roots of today’s debris problem lie in the operational behaviours and design practices of the past six decades. Managing its consequences, however, requires more than improving compliance among current actors; it calls for significant advances in spacecraft design and end-of-life technologies, new market mechanisms that reward responsible operations, modernized governance frameworks and stronger global cooperation. Aspect Mitigation Remediation Purpose Preventing new debris Removing existing debris Timing Before or during mission After debris is already in orbit Cost and complexity Lower Higher (tech-intensive, costly) Policy role Compliance-driven Incentive-driven or publicly fundedMitigation and remediation serve different needs TABLE 4 Most technology solutions from prevention to monitoring, active debris removal (ADR) or in-orbit servicing are still technically immature, highly costly and, for now, not commercially viable. Clear Orbit, Secure Future: A Call to Action on Space Debris 18