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The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that a payload adapter, targeted for ClearSpace’s future debris removal mission, has likely been hit by another piece of space debris. The adapter, known as VESPA, was left in orbit after a 2013 Vega launch. ESA’s tracking system has detected new debris likely originating from VESPA, indicating a collision with an unidentified object. However, the main VESPA object remains intact and its orbit has not been significantly affected.

ClearSpace, the company planning the debris removal mission, is actively analyzing the event and adjusting its plans accordingly. They view this incident as a powerful reminder of the importance of their mission. ClearSpace stated, “The most significant threat posed by larger objects of space debris is that they fragment into clouds of smaller objects that can each cause significant damage to active satellites.” They emphasize the urgent need to reduce the creation of new space debris and actively mitigate the impact of existing objects to minimize the occurrence of fragmentation events.

As ClearSpace continues to prepare for its upcoming mission, this incident serves as a validation of the relevance and necessity of their work. The removal of space debris is crucial to ensure the safety and continued operation of satellites in orbit. By addressing the issue of space debris, ClearSpace aims to reduce the risk of satellite damage caused by fragmentation events and ultimately create a more sustainable space environment for future missions.

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