Clearspace-1 Space Debris Cleanup Target Hit by Space Debris

The target for a European Space Agency (ESA) mission to clean up space debris has been struck by space debris, according to the agency.

An artist's impression of ClearSpace-1 capturing a rocket piece in space. (Image credit: ClearSpace SA)

The target is a leftover rocket adapter, which is a conical-shaped structure that connects spacecraft with their launch vehicle. The adapter is about 250 pounds (113 kg) in mass and is currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of about 410 miles (660 km).

The adapter was hit by a small, untracked object, which caused it to fragment into several smaller pieces. The main object remains intact, but the new pieces of debris pose a risk to other spacecraft.

The ESA's Clearspace-1 mission is scheduled to launch in 2026 and is designed to remove large pieces of space debris from orbit. The mission was originally planned to target the rocket adapter, but the recent collision has complicated the mission.

The ESA is currently evaluating its options for the Clearspace-1 mission. The agency is considering several options, including modifying the mission to target a different piece of space debris or developing new technology to capture and remove the rocket adapter.

The collision of the rocket adapter with space debris highlights the growing problem of space debris. There are an estimated 36,500 debris objects that are more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide in orbit around Earth. These objects can pose a serious threat to spacecraft, including the International Space Station.

The ESA is one of several organizations working to address the problem of space debris. The agency is developing new technologies to remove debris from orbit and is also working to raise awareness of the issue.

The collision of the rocket adapter with space debris is a setback for the Clearspace-1 mission, but it is not a fatal blow. The ESA is committed to cleaning up space debris, and the agency will continue to work on finding a solution to this growing problem.