Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in regards to the Active Debris Removal programme, in line with their National Space Strategy; and what assessment they have made, if any, of the benefits it will bring to the UK.

Space sustainability activity aims to maintain the space environment, which benefits the UK through continued freedom of access to space services and the environmental and economic benefits space applications provide. The Government is taking forward the actions set out in the Plan for Space Sustainability launched last year. The Government has developed a national satellite monitoring service, is working with industry and academia on an industry-led Space Sustainability Standards initiative, and hosted ministerial roundtables to further our sustainability aims. The Government has also secured funding of both national and ESA Active Debris Removal programmes, which will demonstrate our world leading capabilities, positioning the UK at the forefront of the emerging life extension and debris removal markets.