The report highlights ClearSpace’s joint leadership, alongside Astroscale and D-Orbit, in delivering the first stage of this innovative regulatory tool designed to advance UK space policy and practice.
[London, August 20, 2025] ClearSpace welcomes the publication of the Stage 1 Independent Public Report on the Regulatory Sandbox for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Space Agency. The report highlights ClearSpace’s joint leadership, alongside Astroscale and D-Orbit, in delivering the first stage of this innovative regulatory tool designed to advance UK space policy and practice.
The RPO Regulatory Sandbox - the first of its kind in the UK - addresses the regulatory challenges associated with licensing missions in which one spacecraft approaches, operates near, docks with, and provides services to another. These operations include satellite disposal, transport, and refuelling.
RPO capabilities are foundational to emerging in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) markets, which are projected to reach £2.7 billion globally by 2031, with the UK aiming to capture up to 25% of this market according to the government report. These capabilities are key to unlocking a serviceable in-space ecosystem, ensuring the sustainability and resiliency of the space infrastructure.
ClearSpace, known internationally for its mission to remove space debris and develop sustainable space infrastructure, co-led the development of more than 60 recommendations. These include clarifying operational requirements, streamlining licensing processes, and removing regulatory barriers that hinder innovation. These recommendations are designed to:
Provide greater certainty to UK RPO operators, their customers, and investors;
Encourage inward investment in advanced in-space services such as active debris removal, refuelling, and satellite repair;
Support the UK’s ambition to lead in safe and sustainable RPO missions.
Rory Holmes, COO & UK Managing Director of ClearSpace, said:
“Working alongside our partners, ClearSpace has been proud to jointly lead Stage 1 of the RPO Regulatory Sandbox, a vital step towards building a safe, sustainable, and commercially vibrant UK space sector. This process has brought together government, regulators, insurers, and operators to close knowledge gaps and reduce uncertainty around licensing in-orbit servicing missions.
Through the RPO Operators Consortium, we have helped develop comprehensive recommendations on safety, sustainability, security, and liability measures that can strengthen the UK’s regulatory framework and benefit all satellite operators. By establishing a clear, proportionate, and predictable approach, these proposals position the UK to lead globally in this strategically vital field. We are committed to turning this framework into action, supporting its implementation, and advancing the vision of secure, resilient, and sustainable space operations.”
Sir Chris Bryant, UK Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:
“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the importance of space to the British economy. This is a sector that pulls investment into the UK and supports tens of thousands of skilled jobs right across the country, while nearly a fifth of our GDP is dependent on satellites. The aims for growth and security at the heart of our Plan for Change can’t be met without a vibrant space sector.
That's why it's so important to get the regulation of this sector right, to enable innovation and help businesses turn bright ideas into products. This industry-led work is a valuable step on that journey.“
Nick Shave, Managing Director, Astroscale UK, said:
“The RPO Regulatory Sandbox has been a vital opportunity to tackle the regulatory challenges that will enable the UK to play a leading role in this transformative sector. By working hand-in-hand with our industry partners, government, and regulators, we’re creating the clarity this sector needs to grow with confidence, ensuring the UK benefits economically while building a sustainable space ecosystem.”
D-Orbit's UK Legal Counsel, Lauren Payne, said:
“These far reaching recommendations on the law, policy and process behind licensing RPO missions were enabled by the sandbox methodology, which involved close collaboration between leading RPO operators, regulators, and policy makers, with the common goal of safe and sustainable growth. We support this approach to regulatory development and look forward to leading Stage 2 jointly with Astroscale and ClearSpace.”
Stage 1 of the Sandbox has already informed ongoing work in Stage 2, which will focus on more specific licensing issues for RPO missions. Its findings will also support the delivery of the UK’s first-ever active debris removal mission, scheduled to launch by 2028, demonstrating the technology needed to safely remove defunct satellites from orbit.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Link to the Stage 1 Independent Public Report
Link to the UK Space In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing Priorities Paper, June 2023
The Stage 1 Independent Public Report was funded by DSIT and developed in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency, and the RPO Sandbox consortium of Astroscale, ClearSpace, and D-Orbit. While government bodies participated in the process, all recommendations are independent and originate from the sector.
The Stage 1 Independent Public Report was funded by DSIT and developed in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency, and the RPO Sandbox consortium of Astroscale, ClearSpace, and D-Orbit. While government bodies participated in the process, all recommendations are independent and originate from the sector.
The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) supported the Sandbox process as part of its mission to remove regulatory barriers to emerging technologies.
ClearSpace designs and operates space missions to remove debris and enable sustainable in-orbit services, ensuring space remains a safe and secure environment for future generations.
About ClearSpace
ClearSpace, an in-orbit servicing (IOS) company created in 2018, is intent on revolutionizing how space missions are conducted. ClearSpace is becoming now a global company with dynamic engineering teams in the UK, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. ClearSpace is creating the technologies that will support a wide range of IOS applications, from disposal and in-orbit transport to inspection, assembly, manufacturing, repair, and recycling. ClearSpace aims to support institutions and commercial operators alike to enhance sustainable space operations and promote a circular space economy.
ClearSpace Media Contact
Hyeonsook Hong Kaiser (She/Her)
media@clearspace.today
Phone: +41 78 222 2436
