Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Japanese developer of on-orbit servicing and related solutions, announced a MoU between its UK-based subsidiary and Airbus Defense and Space, to focus on UK-based in-orbit servicing and manufacturing opportunities.

Under the partnership, Astroscale and Airbus would explore ways to enhance the development of navigation and docking technologies for satellite servicing and debris removal missions. The partnership would combine Airbus's satellite manufacturing and space systems with Astroscale's in-orbit servicing technologies.

The MoU also covers maintaining, repairing, and upgrading in-orbit satellites, constructing and assembling spacecraft components directly in space, and technologies for enhancing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).

Analyst QuickTake: Astroscale worked with Airbus in March 2024 when it was awarded a ~USD 2.6 million contract for the Active Debris Removal (ADR) Refuelling feasibility study. For the refueling mission, Astroscale used a servicer with a robotic arm developed by Airbus.