In 2020, ESA commissioned ClearSpace to build, launch, and fly a novel deorbit mission to rendezvous with and capture a large piece of debris in orbit, then safely pilot the object into Earth’s atmosphere. This will be done through the ClearSpace-1 program supported by ESA and the participating states. ClearSpace has designed a four-armed capture system for its robotic satellite as a critical step in developing this unique debris-removal mission. This innovative technology successfully passed proof-of-concept testing at ESA’s research and technology center (ESTEC) in the Netherlands in October 2022.

AROBS Engineering was responsible for a key part of the mission. ClearSpace-1 program is planned to be launched in 2026.

“I am excited to see that our 20+ years of experience in embedded software engineering and image processing are being put to good use in such an exciting and innovative project,” stated Cosmin Stanciu, Business Development Manager for Aerospace, AROBS Engineering.

This is the first collaboration between AROBS Engineering and ClearSpace. Still, it is one of many collaborations supported by ESA. The company has a ten-year history in R&D projects, mainly in onboard software.

AROBS Engineering (former Enea Software Services Development business line and team) provides premium embedded software development services to clients in Europe and North America—the company works with globally significant aerospace, medical, and maritime partners.

AROBS Transilvania Software is listed on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange as of December 6, 2021. The company currently has a market capitalization of approximately 202 million euros.

Recently, the company consolidated its aerospace expertise by acquiring SYDERAL Polska, which specializes in developing products and technologies for quantum and optical communication, onboard data storage and processing, and control of satellite mechanisms and instruments.