TechnicalADR
Active Debris Removal
Technologies and missions designed to capture and remove existing debris objects from orbit.
Active Debris Removal (ADR) refers to technologies and missions that physically remove debris from orbit, complementing passive debris mitigation measures.
Removal Methods
- Capture and Deorbit: Grab debris and perform controlled re-entry
- Drag Enhancement: Attach device to accelerate natural decay
- Laser Ablation: Ground or space-based lasers to alter orbits
- Ion Beam Shepherd: Contactless pushing using ion beams
Capture Technologies
- Robotic arms
- Nets
- Harpoons
- Tentacles
- Electromagnetic docking
Current Missions
- ESA ClearSpace-1 (planned)
- Astroscale ELSA-d (demonstration)
- RemoveDEBRIS (completed demonstration)
Regulatory Challenges ADR raises complex legal questions:
- Ownership/jurisdiction over debris
- Authorization for proximity operations
- Liability for removal attempts
- International coordination
EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force) Active debris removal is treated as an in-space service (ISOS). The requirements for removing debris objects by ISOS would be specified by delegated act (Art. 101(4)(b)); the ISOS requirements would apply from 1 January 2034 (Art. 101(1)). The proposal contains no insurance requirement.