👉 Cleanup missiles, also known as debris removal or space junk removal systems, are specialized spacecraft designed to capture and deorbit defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other space debris in Earth's orbit. These missiles use various techniques such as robotic arms, nets, harpoons, or tethers to grapple onto the target debris and then use propulsion systems to deorbit it, often by pushing it into a graveyard orbit or burning it up in the atmosphere. The primary goal of cleanup missions is to mitigate the growing risk of collisions in space, protect operational satellites and future space missions, and preserve the long-term sustainability of space activities.
