The SPADER project has officially started on 1 November 2025, launching a 36-month research action under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2024. SPADER will design and study a space debris removal system intended to interact with selected space objects using concentrated solar rays, exploring a non-contact approach aimed at debris mitigation in orbit.
A concept based on concentrated sunlight
SPADER proposes a system composed of a unique double parabolic mirror architecture designed to collect, concentrate, and focus solar light into a high-power beam onto a distant target. The concept aims to support space debris removal through total or local vaporization, and to enable debris “push” via the reaction force generated through the interaction. The main module is designed to be compatible with launch as a payload using currently used mission carriers, similarly to other satellite-type deployments.
The project is implemented as a non-thematic research action focused on SMEs and research organisations, with activities centred on integrating knowledge, studies, and design. The estimated total cost and maximum EU contribution are both listed as €3,694,486.20.
Project Kick-Off Meeting in Tallinn
The SPADER consortium held its Kick-Off Meeting (KoM) on 3–4 November 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia, hosted by the project coordinator VAAL Airships at the Technopole facilities. All nine partners met to initiate the project work plan, align on administration and workflow, and organise dissemination and communication activities. Ethics and Security aspects were also presented and structured during the meeting, while a hybrid setup enabled remote participation and exchange with DG/DEFIS representatives.
Consortium
SPADER brings together nine organisations from across Europe: VAAL Airships OÜ (Coordinator, Estonia), ETHICAL & LEGAL PLUS SL (Spain), ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION (Greece), EU3STAR (The Netherlands), INCDT COMOTI (Romania), KOSMAS GEORING SERVICES (Greece), SC ICPEST SRL (Romania), SC MGM STAR CONSTRUCT SRL (Romania), and SKYLD Security and Defence Limited (Cyprus).