DebriSolver Winners Announced By Saudi Space Agency At 2026 Space Debris Conference

The Saudi Space Agency has named four winning teams in the global "DebriSolver" competition, announced on Tuesday. The international challenge supports practical ideas to tackle space debris and aims to improve the long-term safety of near-Earth space.

The "DebriSolver" competition is one of the main initiatives linked to the Space Debris Conference 2026. It is designed to promote scientific innovation, encourage advanced engineering work, and develop tools that help manage risks from growing orbital debris.

The contest drew more than 2,000 participants representing over 40 countries, reflecting strong international interest in space sustainability. After several competitive stages, 20 teams reached the final round, where they presented detailed technical proposals and software-based solutions.

The shortlisted teams focused on low Earth orbit challenges, especially tracking and predicting the movement of debris. Their concepts also addressed collision risk management and data analysis, using intelligent technologies such as automation and advanced modelling to support safer satellite operations over long periods.

The Saudi Space Agency organised the DebriSolver competition with support from international partners Slingshot Aerospace, LeoLabs, Astroscale, and Aldoria. These organisations work in fields such as space surveillance, debris removal, and orbital data services, and contributed expertise throughout the contest stages.

A panel of 14 international experts carried out a rigorous scientific review of the submitted solutions. The judges used clear criteria, including the level of innovation, the readiness of the concepts for real use, and their expected long-term impact on space safety and sustainability.

The four winning teams represent a wide geographical spread and varied technical backgrounds. One team combines members from India and the United States. Another team is from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A third group includes participants from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the United States, while the fourth team brings together specialists from India, Greece, Tunisia, and Jordan. The Saudi Space Agency stated that the DebriSolver competition highlights the Kingdom’s support for international efforts to protect space as a shared resource and to maintain its sustainability for future generations.

With inputs from SPA