Shield Space CEO Graeme Ritchie (left) signed the memorandum of understanding with Rob Atchison, managing director for ClearSpace in the United Kingdom. Credit: Shield Space
TAMPA, Fla. — British startup Shield Space plans to combine its autonomous satellite operations software with ClearSpace’s in-orbit servicing capabilities to address emerging orbital threats.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding June 23 to develop sovereign space defense capabilities for the United Kingdom and its allies, which they say are increasingly important as adversaries step up efforts to monitor, disrupt and potentially disable critical satellite infrastructure.
Founded in 2025, Shield Space is developing software designed to keep satellites operating autonomously even when communications with the ground are disrupted.
Luxembourg-headquartered ClearSpace, founded in 2018 with operations also spanning Switzerland, Germany and the U.K., is developing spacecraft for in-orbit inspection, life extension and debris removal applications. In partnership with the European Space Agency, ClearSpace announced plans in January to test close-proximity operations next year in a mission involving two small spacecraft.
