Space Force eager to invest in debris removal projects

It’s not the job of the U.S. Space Force to clean up orbital debris. However the military wants to partner with private companies that can perform that service and help cultivate that sector of the industry, vice chief of space operations Gen. David “DT” Thompson said Feb. 10. 

Speaking at an AFCEA information technology event, Thompson said he frequently is asked about the growing hazards in space caused by debris and his answer is that “it’s a hard problem.” That said, “right now the most important thing we and others can do is stop making the problem worse.”

There are other ways the Space Force can contribute, Thompson added. “Ultimately, the Space Force does not want to be in the business of cleaning up debris.” However, “we would certainly love to partner with innovative new companies, or even innovative old companies, to develop ideas and technologies, and help in some way shape or form.”

Thompson plugged Orbital Prime, a new effort by SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s technology arm, to invest in debris-removal and in-space servicing technologies. Bids for Orbital Prime contracts close Feb. 17.