ClearSpace

ClearSpace develops robotic spacecraft equipped with four-armed capture mechanisms designed to rendezvous with and secure uncooperative space objects—defunct satellites and rocket stages lacking standard docking interfaces. The company's core technology includes Guidance, Navigation, and Control software enabling autonomous proximity operations and real-time object tracking. ClearSpace operates from Renens, Switzerland, with additional facilities in Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The company is developing the ClearSpace-1 mission under contract with the European Space Agency to de-orbit the Proba-1 satellite, and PRELUDE, a dual-spacecraft mission announced in early 2026 to test high-precision proximity operations and autonomous debris capture techniques.

Beyond debris removal, ClearSpace provides in-orbit servicing capabilities including satellite life extension through refueling and orbit maintenance for commercial and defense operators. The company operates on a service-as-a-product model, contracting with government agencies—primarily the European Space Agency, UK Space Agency, and Luxembourg Space Agency—and commercial satellite constellation operators. ClearSpace was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from EPFL's Space Center and is led by CEO Luc Piguet. The company remains private, with investors including In-Q-Tel, Lakestar, and the Luxembourg Future Fund.