PRELUDE Artificial Rendering;
Credit: Clearspace
On Monday 12 January 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) and ClearSpace announced the PRELUDE mission, a new European in-orbit demonstration designed to validate close-proximity operations, relative navigation and technologies enabling satellite life extension and debris removal.
Led by the ClearSpace Luxembourg team, the mission aims to reinforce Europe’s leadership in space safety and sustainable space operations. It builds directly on ESA’s Space Safety programme and ClearSpace’s active debris-removal roadmap.
The mission will test advanced space manoeuvres and relative navigation technologies under real-life conditions. Two small spacecraft will operate together in orbit, performing complex coordinated movements. Using highly precise tracking and navigation systems that combine sensors and cameras, the spacecraft will be able to manoeuvre freely in all directions. By demonstrating these capabilities in practice, the mission will support future activities such as extending the lifespan of satellites, removing defunct objects or carrying out in-orbit repairs. According to the partner organisations, this represents an important step towards making space operations safer and more sustainable.
The mission targets launch in 2027 and is expected to enable recurring in-orbit inspection services shortly after completion, marking a transition from demonstration to commercial reality.
“This mission shows how European partnerships can effectively demonstrate breakthrough technology in orbit, turn ambition into action,” said Tiago Soares, Head of ESA’s Clean Space and Circular Economy Office. “It reinforces Europe’s leadership in sustainable and safe space operations and paves the way for commercially viable in-orbit services,” he added.
“Our technologies are moving from development to delivery,” said Luc Piguet, CEO of ClearSpace. “This marks a tangible step toward making safe and sustainable operations part of everyday space activity,” he continued.
Designed as a civil initiative, the mission reportedly highlights Europe’s ability to innovate through openness and cooperation.
Its modular architecture allows additional partners from industry and academia to take part, supporting wide European involvement and future commercial scalability. Within one year of completion, the project is expected to enable a recurring in-orbit inspection service, creating a direct bridge from demonstration to operational reality.
