Astroscale

Astroscale Holdings, founded in 2013 in Singapore and headquartered in Japan since 2019, specializes in on-orbit servicing and space debris management. It provides services such as Active Debris Removal (ADR), End-of-Life (EOL) services for satellites, Life Extension (LEX), and customizable docking plates to enable satellite servicing and debris mitigation. With subsidiaries in the UK, the US, and Israel, Astroscale operates internationally to address the growing challenges of space sustainability.

In 2021, the company launched the ELSA-d mission to demonstrate technology for capturing and removing orbital debris. The mission employed proximity rendezvous capabilities and a magnetic docking mechanism to capture simulated debris in orbit. Following its initial success, as of December 2024, Astroscale was working toward the ELSA-m mission, which aimed to handle multiple debris removal tasks and was scheduled for launch in 2026.

Astroscale achieved critical milestones in 2024 with the ADRAS-J mission. This included a controlled fly-around operation 50 meters from the upper stage of an H-2A rocket in July 2024. In December 2024, the ADRAS-J satellite approached within 15 meters of the debris, marking the closest-ever rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) with an existing piece of space debris.

Key customers and partnerships

Astroscale has formed several strategic partnerships in the space sector. In February 2020, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) selected Astroscale for Phase I of its debris removal project. In August 2022, the company was selected again for Phase II, responsible for satellite manufacturing and operation for JAXA’s CRD2 mission. In April 2022, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) renewed a contract with Astroscale to develop robotic arms for debris removal.

Astroscale has worked with the European Space Agency (ESA) since December 2018 on space debris monitoring and collision avoidance. In March 2022, the company was awarded a contract to lead a collision avoidance study.

Astroscale also formed a July 2021 partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for ADR and space sustainability projects. In February 2023, the company collaborated with Mitsubishi Electric to develop satellite buses for Japan’s national security constellations. In June 2023, Astroscale partnered with Share My Space to advance space object surveillance and minimize collision risks. The company also secured a contract with CNES to explore active debris removal (ADR) for French space debris.

In August 2024, Astroscale’s UK subsidiary signed an MOU with Airbus Defense and Space to enhance debris removal technologies and satellite servicing. The company also secured the leadership for Phase II of JAXA’s CRD2 mission, valued at approximately USD 90.3 million.