The CLEAR Initiative
Cooperative Low-Cost Efficient Adaptable Debris Removal

Overview​

Space debris poses a growing threat to orbital operations, satellite safety, and long-term space sustainability. The CLEAR Initiative was created to address this challenge by uniting global stakeholders around low-cost, efficient, and adaptable debris removal solutions. In collaboration with a leading industry partner who has a proven heritage of developing and launching over 200 satellites, CLEAR aims to accelerate real-world validation of critical technologies and make in-orbit servicing accessible to all.

Project Details​

1. In-Orbit Technology Demonstration: Water-IMP Propulsion System​

• Goal: Validate the performance of the Water-IMP (Water-based Integrated Multimodal Propulsion System) in space—an innovative, low-cost propulsion technology ideal for debris removal and small satellite maneuvering.​

• Timeline: Target launch in 2028.​

• Objectives: Test thrust efficiency, fuel sustainability (using water as a safe, refuellable propellant), and compatibility with debris removal mission profiles.​

2. Share-Ride Opportunities for Global Partners​

• Purpose: Enable low-cost access to space for organizations looking to test, validate, or demonstrate their own debris removal technologies.​

• Benefits: Avoid the high costs of standalone launch missions; leverage our existing microsatellite platform and orbital infrastructure; collaborate with a network of space experts.​

• Eligibility: Open to space agencies, commercial operators, academic institutions, and research labs worldwide.

Collaboration Options​

We welcome partnerships across three key areas—choose the path that aligns with your organization’s goals:​

• Space Agencies: Contribute to mission design, regulatory alignment, or post-mission data analysis; co-fund technology validation.​

• Commercial Operators: In-space demonstration of debris removal hardware/software via share-ride slots; integrate your tech with our microsatellite platform.​

• Academic/Research Institutions: Lead R&D on complementary technologies (e.g., debris detection, capture mechanisms); publish joint research from mission data.​

• International Partners​: Participate in cross-border knowledge sharing; join global working groups on space sustainability standards.​