Paris-based company Dark is developing the Interceptor system to remove space debris from Earth's orbit. It will be a rocket-propelled spacecraft capable of capturing and gently pushing large objects of debris out of orbit using a giant “boxing glove.”
Clearing the orbit
Unique Interceptor mission
The Interceptor is planned to be launched from a specially equipped aircraft. In orbit, the launch vehicle will separate, and the vehicle, using onboard sensors and an engine, will maneuver towards the target - a large object of space debris. Once it reaches its target, Interceptor will extend a giant shock-absorbing device like a boxing glove and gently push debris out of orbit.
According to Dark CEO Clyde Lahain, the main difference between the Interceptor and traditional spacecraft is that it is not intended for long-term planned missions , but must always be ready for quick sudden operations to clear the orbit, like anti-aircraft air defense missiles. The glove's design allows you to safely dislodge debris without creating additional debris.
Dark's funding and plans
In 2021, Dark attracted $5 million in investments, and recently closed another round of $6 million, including from the American fund Long Journey Ventures Ariel Zuckerberg. These funds will be used to develop critical systems of the device, including a cryogenic engine, autonomous flight algorithms and software. The company will also have to upgrade the aircraft to launch the Interceptor, which will require at least $50 million.
Dark plans to conduct the first demonstration mission in 2026 year. If all goes well, the Interceptor system could later be used to remove large pieces of debris, such as inactive rocket stages or defunct satellites.
Glossary
- Dark is a Parisian startup, developer of the Interceptor system for removing space debris.
- Interceptor - a project of a rocket spacecraft to displace large objects of debris from Earth's orbit.
- Long Journey Ventures is an American investment fund, one of Dark's investors.
- Ariel Zuckerberg is the younger sister of Mark Zuckerberg and runs the Long Journey Ventures fund.
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Discussion of the topic – French startup is developing a rocket-propelled "boxing glove" to dislodge space debris from orbit
The Paris-based company is developing an innovative system called Interceptor to remove space debris from Earth's orbit. The system uses a jet "boxing glove" that will gently push debris out of orbit.
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Elisa
What an interesting project! I couldn’t even imagine that the fight against space debris could be so exciting. 🚀 I love the idea of a giant boxing glove, it looks fun and effective at the same time.
Gustavo
Yes, technology does not stand still. But I am concerned about how a “soft push” will remove large objects from orbit and whether this will create new debris? 🤔 It would be a shame if they only spread the problem to other orbits.
Юрий
A missile defense missile in space is cool! 😎 I hope they have many successful orbital cleanup missions. The problem of space pollution is becoming increasingly acute, and the use of new technologies is simply necessary.
Ania
I liked the idea of using the plane as a launch pad. Very practical and economical compared to the construction of ground infrastructure. 💯 I wonder how they plan to reduce the cost of modernizing the aircraft?
Йозеф
I've heard that there are other ways to remove debris from orbit, such as using harpoons or nets. I think the glove is too "soft" an approach for large objects. 🤷♂️ It would be interesting to hear the opinions of experts.
Ганс
Have you ever wondered how much energy it takes to move objects from one orbit to another? 🤓 I hope they have efficient engines and navigation systems so they don't waste too much fuel.
Катажина
I admire that these guys are ready to take on complex and important tasks. 👏 Orbital cleaning is a huge problem that cannot be ignored. Let them succeed!
Григорий
Hmm, nothing new, pushing garbage in space with a glove was invented back in the 90s. 🙄 I’m pretty tired of the fashionable chatter about innovation these days; it would be better if they actually did something instead of puffing themselves up in vain.
Ізабела
But I was interested in the amount of investment - $11 million seems quite modest for such an ambitious project. 💰 I wonder how they plan to recoup the costs?
Марко
Yes, it’s good that there are brave companies ready to take on such complex tasks. I liked the comparison to air defense - this industry will be vital to protecting space assets in the future. 🛡️ I wish them success!
Софі
It's funny that Zuckerberg's younger sister is involved in the project. 🤣 Does she have experience in creating innovations or is this just a family investment?
Якуб
I hope they pay due attention to operational safety. Sending a glove into space is a serious responsibility, because one wrong move and you will create new dangerous debris. 🥊
Наталія
Space debris is a global problem that is long overdue for something to be done. It’s good that there are startups that are ready to look for non-standard solutions. 🌍 I hope this initiative will inspire other developers.
Клаудио
How will guidance work in practice? After all, precise maneuvers require very powerful sensors and guidance systems. I wonder what technologies they plan to use? 🤖
Жанна
I love that this team is not afraid to take on something new and unknown. This is a very ambitious project, but only thanks to such bold ideas we are moving forward. 🚀 Good luck to them in the 2026 demonstration mission!