ClearSpace, a Swiss startup based in Renens, has restructured to enhance safety and efficiency in its mission to remove space debris. This initiative, part of the ClearSpace-1 project, is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and includes the partnership of Germany’s space technology firm OHB.

The company has revised its internal setup to minimize risks and cut costs, following the successful completion of the initial phase. These changes allow for faster and more cost-effective operations. ESA has approved the continuation of the mission, moving into a preparatory phase led by OHB.

Luc Piguet, CEO of ClearSpace, expressed pride in working with OHB to stay at the forefront of orbital services. He emphasized the benefits of combining the agility of startups with the experience of established companies to create competitive and scalable solutions.

Founded as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), ClearSpace is testing ways to capture and safely dispose of old satellites. The next goal for ClearSpace-1 is to secure Proba-1, an ESA satellite in orbit for two decades, and guide it back to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere safely.

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