Astroscale
Company Information
Headquarters
Sumida, Tokyo, Japan
Year Founded
2013
Industries
Aerospace, Satellite Operations, Space Sustainability, Defense, Satellite Communications, Space Infrastructure
What Is Astroscale?
Astroscale is a space technology company that develops satellite servicing and space debris removal systems for commercial satellite operators, government agencies, and space infrastructure organizations. Its spacecraft are designed to inspect objects in orbit, extend satellite operational lifetimes, and remove inactive satellites and rocket components that create collision risks.
The company focuses on on-orbit servicing, using specialized spacecraft to approach, inspect, dock with, and maneuver other objects in space. Its technologies support satellite maintenance, end-of-life disposal, and the management of orbital debris in low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit.
What Does Astroscale Do?
Astroscale designs and operates spacecraft that perform inspection, servicing, and removal missions in orbit. Its systems use autonomous navigation, proximity sensors, docking mechanisms, and robotic technologies to interact with satellites and other space objects.
The company develops active debris removal spacecraft capable of approaching and capturing objects that can no longer maneuver independently. It also develops satellite life-extension systems that provide propulsion and orbital control to existing spacecraft, helping operators maintain communications services and manage satellites approaching the end of their operational lives.
Astroscale Technology
Astroscale develops spacecraft technology based on rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), which allow a servicing satellite to approach and maneuver around another object in orbit. These operations use optical sensors, relative navigation algorithms, and guidance and control software to determine the position, movement, and orientation of a target spacecraft.
Its debris removal systems incorporate magnetic docking and robotic capture technologies to interact with satellites and rocket components. Magnetic capture is designed for spacecraft equipped with compatible docking plates, while robotic systems are being developed to capture objects that were not originally designed for servicing.
Astroscale also develops propulsion, autonomous collision avoidance, and satellite life-extension technologies. Its servicing spacecraft can be designed to provide station-keeping, orbital relocation, and attitude control for existing satellites. These capabilities allow operators to maintain spacecraft operations, inspect orbital assets, and manage end-of-life disposal without relying exclusively on replacement launches.
Why Astroscale Matters
Earth’s orbital environment contains inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, and other debris that can threaten operational spacecraft. As satellite constellations expand, managing these objects becomes increasingly important. Astroscale develops active space debris removal technologies intended to reduce collision risks and preserve access to important orbital regions.
The company’s approach also changes how satellites can be managed after launch. Through on-orbit servicing and satellite life extension, operators may be able to maintain spacecraft positioning, extend missions, and delay replacement launches when satellites remain technically functional but require propulsion or other support.
Astroscale’s ADRAS-J mission demonstrated close-range inspection of an existing large debris object, while its ELSA-M, ADRAS-J2, and LEXI-P programs are advancing technologies for removal and servicing. These developments support the emerging market for orbital infrastructure maintenance, where spacecraft can be inspected, serviced, and retired through dedicated operations in space.
Astroscale Products & Platforms
ADRAS-J: A spacecraft developed to inspect large orbital debris through rendezvous and proximity operations. The mission approached and photographed an inactive rocket upper stage, demonstrating close-range navigation and inspection capabilities needed for future debris removal missions.
ADRAS-J2: A follow-on active debris removal spacecraft under development to capture and deorbit a large rocket upper stage. The mission uses robotic arm technology to interact with an object that was not originally designed for servicing or removal.
ELSA-d: A technology demonstration mission developed to test satellite rendezvous, magnetic capture, release, and recapture operations. The mission demonstrated technologies intended for future commercial satellite removal services.
ELSA-M: A satellite end-of-life servicing spacecraft under development to capture and remove commercial satellites equipped with compatible docking mechanisms. It is designed to support multiple removal operations and controlled orbital disposal.
LEXI-P: A geostationary satellite servicing spacecraft under development to extend the operational life of existing satellites. It is designed to provide station-keeping, attitude control, orbital relocation, and end-of-life disposal support through docking and onboard propulsion.
Astroscale Applications
Space Debris Removal: Capturing and removing inactive satellites, rocket stages, and other large objects that increase collision risks in Earth’s orbital environment.
Satellite Life Extension: Providing propulsion and orbital control services to operational satellites that have depleted fuel or require assistance maintaining their orbital positions.
Orbital Inspection: Approaching and examining satellites or debris objects to assess their condition, movement, and potential servicing or removal requirements.
Satellite End-of-Life Disposal: Supporting the controlled removal of retired satellites from operational orbits or their transfer to designated disposal orbits.
Satellite Fleet Management: Helping satellite operators maintain spacecraft positioning, relocate satellites, and manage orbital assets throughout their operational lifetimes.
Space Infrastructure Protection: Supporting collision risk reduction and orbital safety for communications satellites, Earth observation systems, and government spacecraft.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Astroscale?
Astroscale is a space technology company that develops spacecraft for satellite servicing, orbital debris removal, satellite inspection, and mission life extension.
How does Astroscale remove space debris?
Astroscale develops servicing spacecraft that approach debris using autonomous navigation and proximity operations. Depending on the target, its systems can use magnetic docking mechanisms or robotic capture technology to secure an object and support its removal from orbit.
What is the Astroscale ADRAS-J mission?
ADRAS-J was a debris inspection mission that approached and photographed an inactive rocket upper stage in orbit. It demonstrated navigation, close-proximity observation, and collision avoidance capabilities needed for future debris removal operations.
What is Astroscale ELSA-M?
ELSA-M is a satellite servicing spacecraft under development to capture and remove retired commercial satellites equipped with compatible docking plates. It is designed to support multiple end-of-life removal missions.
How does Astroscale extend satellite life?
Astroscale is developing spacecraft such as LEXI-P that can dock with geostationary satellites and provide propulsion, station-keeping, attitude control, and orbital relocation services to help maintain operations.
What is the difference between satellite servicing and space debris removal?
Satellite servicing involves inspecting, maintaining, or extending the operational life of spacecraft. Space debris removal focuses on capturing and disposing of inactive satellites, rocket components, and other objects that no longer serve an operational purpose.
Why is space debris removal important?
Removing large orbital debris can reduce the risk of collisions that damage operational satellites or create additional debris. It helps protect communications, navigation, Earth observation, and other space-based infrastructure.
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