Swiss startup edges closer to first-ever space trash collection

The first active removal of space debris has moved closer to lift-off after a new deal was inked on the landmark mission. Swiss startup ClearSpace and French rocket giant Arianespace today announced that a launch contract has been signed for the assignment. The mission, named ClearSpace-1, aims to capture and deorbit a chunk of garbage weighing over 100 kg. To start, the trash-collecting spacecraft will be released into a sun-synchronous orbit by the new European light launcher Vega C. After co