Astroscale Secures $51M Series E Funding for Orbital Sustainability

Astroscale, a company specializing in on-orbit servicing and logistics, has secured $51 million in Series E funding, increasing the total capital raised to $191 million. Headquartered in Japan, the company concentrates on developing innovative solutions for the end-of-life phase of satellites. This involves providing practical methods for the secure de-orbiting of spacecraft once they’ve reached the conclusion of their operational lifespan, thereby addressing the increasing issue of orbital debris caused by the growing number of satellites and constellations.

Astroscale has broadened its objectives to encompass extending the operational duration of geostationary satellites – a crucial element in fostering a more sustainable orbital environment, particularly given the anticipated significant increase in orbital activities. The company previously announced the acquisition of personnel and intellectual property from Effective Space Solutions, a firm developing a “space drone” designed to offer on-orbit maintenance to established, large-scale geostationary satellite systems, including services like refueling and repairs.

This acquisition has led to the creation of Astroscale Israel, a new international branch of the company dedicated to geostationary life extension. The recent funding round was spearheaded by aSTART and will be allocated to further develop the company’s global presence and expand its workforce to over 140 employees.

Astroscale’s technology for removing orbital debris is scheduled for its initial demonstration mission in the latter part of this year, utilizing a launch via a Russian Soyuz rocket. The system employs a pair of spacecraft designed to locate and connect with targeted debris for subsequent de-orbiting.