Safeguarding Space: Astroscale's Sustainable Orbit Cleanup
As we continue to launch rockets and satellites into orbit, we are also contributing to a growing problem: space junk. This refers to any debris or machinery left by humans in space, including dead satellites, bits of debris, and paint flecks from rockets. Jonathan O’Callaghan highlights that while space junk currently poses a risk to other satellites in orbit, experts worry that if left unchecked, it could result in a chain reaction that could make Earth's orbit unusable.
Fortunately, there are companies like Astroscale developing novel solutions to remove dead satellites from orbit and reduce the amount of space debris. Founded in 2013, the Japanese-based company is focused on creating sustainable space systems and mitigating the growing and hazardous buildup of debris in space. Astroscale is also working with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives for responsible use of space.
Astroscale announced their new spacecraft, ELSA-d, “an incredibly complex satellite… demonstrating rendezvous and proximity operations technologies that have never before been tested in space," says Seita Iizuka, the Project Manager for the mission. The mission will prove technologies that can be directly applied to customers, with demonstrations that include client search, client inspection, client rendezvous, and docking. Astroscale's innovative and scalable solutions are helping to ensure safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations.
Astroscale's pioneering efforts in space sustainability have set a positive precedent for a broader corporate responsibilityto protect our planet and solar system. By developing novel solutions and collaborating with stakeholders, they are actively addressing the pressing issue of space junk. Astroscale’s commitment to innovation proves that sustainable practices can be integrated into space exploration, inspiring other companies to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of their operations.
