Plextek wins major award for radar aiding real-time debris tracking

Plextek has been named the winner of a Technology Excellence Stevie Award in the Aerospace Technology category in the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence.

The Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence are designed to recognise notable performances and breakthroughs by individuals, teams, and organisations across a range of technology sectors.

Space debris concerns

The recognition comes against the background of increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, which is now home to more than 10,000 active satellites and an expanding volume of debris. Industry sources have warned that even debris as small as a grain of sand can pose risks to billion-dollar missions, disrupt global connectivity, endanger astronaut safety, and threaten the ongoing usability of space for future ventures.

Plextek's award-winning technology is centred on millimetre wave (mmWave) radar, designed for environments in which optical systems may prove unreliable, including situations such as orbital eclipses or on planetary surfaces covered by dust, like the Moon. The system is described as compact and robust, capable of real-time detection of debris fragments down to sub-millimetre sizes. This represents a departure from traditional approaches, according to the company, since mmWave technology enables high-frequency, non-impact sensing within lightweight satellite payloads.

Industry collaboration

The development of more effective space surveillance technologies has taken on new urgency as space becomes more commercially accessible and congested. Organisations including NASA and the US Space Force have recently increased their investment in space situational awareness, while private firms such as SpaceX, Amazon, and Telesat continue to expand their space-based infrastructure.

Richard Jacklin, Space & Satellite Commercial Lead for Plextek, commented on the company's success and its context in the broader sector. He said,

"As NASA and the US Space Force ramp up investments in space situational awareness, and major players like SpaceX, Amazon, and Telesat expand their satellite constellations, real-time debris tracking has shifted from a strategic advantage to an operational necessity. We're thrilled that Plextek's innovative solutions have been recognised within such a crowded sector. Bringing new space technologies to market is complex and we're delighted to receive an award for our efforts."

The panel of judges highlighted the technical aspects of Plextek's radar system. One judge noted the impact of adapting technology between fields, saying,

"Plextek's Wave radar innovation is a standout solution for space debris detection and in-orbit operations. It uniquely addresses the limitations of optical systems and sets a new standard in performance, cost, and agility. The adaptation of automotive-grade tech for space is clever and impactful."

Award ceremony

The Stevie Awards winners will be celebrated at a gala event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The awards, named "the Stevies" from the Greek for "crowned," aim to recognise substantial contributions to technological progress. The full list of 2025 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence recipients is publicly available.