Astroscale†

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has selected Astroscale to remove an upper-stage rocket body from orbit.

Each linkage features special adhesive similar to the feet of a gecko that allows the arms to grip objects.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The bulk of the investment went to more mature companies, especially late-stage startups.

The spacecraft, which launched in February, is attempting to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations capabilities.

Astroscale Japan’s debris inspection satellite has been successfully launched into orbit on a Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle.

Astroscale U.S. has unveiled details of the concept of operations for its in-space refueler spacecraft being developed for the U.S. Space Force.

Astroscale Japan has received an $80 million grant from the Japanese government to “image and diagnose” a large, defunct satellite.

Space Systems Command has awarded Astroscale U.S. a $25.5 million contract to deliver by 2026 a prototype spacecraft that can refuel other satellites in space.

Companies work to track millions of pieces of space junk and plan for their incineration.

Astroscale Holdings has established a subsidiary in Paris, Astroscale France SAS, and is to sign a contract with the CNES to study space debris removal.

A second Great Observatory catches the eye of the fledgling in-space services industry.

Astroscale U.S. officially cut the ribbon on its new Denver headquarters on April 16, a move intended to anchor itself in the U.S. market.

Astroscale has raised a $76 million Series G round of capital and plans to jointly develop satellite buses with Mitsubishi Electric.

The startup is studying how tumbling debris behaves.