Riyadh: The Space Debris Conference 2026, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from January 26 to 27, will host the final round of the global "DebrisSolver" competition. This event is one of the flagship initiatives launched by the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) to stimulate scientific and technological innovation and develop practical solutions to address the challenges of space debris, aiming to enhance the sustainability of the space environment.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the competition has attracted approximately 2,000 participants, including innovators, researchers, and startups from 40 countries. This international participation underscores the global significance of space debris challenges and highlights the importance of coordinated international efforts to address them.
The DebrisSolver competition aims to gather high-quality ideas and innovative solutions that contribute to mitigating the risks posed by space debris. It focuses on enhancing the safety of space operations and supporting the sustainability of activities in low Earth orbit through the use of orbital tools and data provided by specialized companies.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the top 20 teams have been shortlisted to advance to the final stage. These selected solutions will be presented as part of the conference's accompanying exhibition.
The competition is organized in partnership with several leading global companies specializing in space and debris-related technologies, including Astroscale, LeoLabs, Slingshot Aerospace, and Aldoria. This reflects effective collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing applied innovation within the space sector.
DebrisSolver represents Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting research and innovation, empowering global talent, and promoting the role of technological solutions in protecting space as a shared resource for humanity. It contributes to a safe and sustainable space future and supports the growth of the global space economy.