SPADER is a project selected for funding under the EDF 2024 call. Its mission is to develop an innovative space debris removal system that uses concentrated solar rays to alter the thermal and kinetic energy of targeted debris particles.

Space debris includes any man‑made objects, or fragments of such objects, that continue to orbit Earth without any form of ground‑based control. As the number of space missions grows—driven by more countries launching or participating in space programs—the amount of unmanaged debris in orbit increases as well.
Because there is no natural mechanism in space that removes this material, the debris remains in orbit. Over time, the overall number of these objects grows at an accelerating rate, adding to the long‑term accumulation of space clutter and it poses significant risks to ongoing and future space operations

The SPADER project introduces the concept that is based on a dual catoptric optical system that concentrates solar radiation and directs it precisely through a final optical element toward the selected object. By applying intense solar energy, the system aims to significantly modify the debris particle’s physical state, enabling controlled removal or trajectory alteration.

The project will guide research and technological development toward a laboratory‑scale model, which will be tested to deliver a Proof‑of‑Concept. This work will pave the way for future deployment of SPADER in space debris clean‑up missions and other advanced space applications.


Funding Program: EDF 2024 Call
Category: EDF-2024-LS-RA-SMERO-NT
Call Title: Non-thematic research actions by SMEs and ROs
Project duration: 36 months
Activities involved: Integrating Knowledge, Studies, Design
Start Date: 1st of November, 2025
Total budget: €3,672,797.96
Consortium partners number: 9 from 6 EU MS