Responsible Space Operations is Becoming Standard – Astroscale is Leading the Way
The satellite industry is at an inflection point. With thousands of spacecraft being launched every year, space sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a business-critical requirement. As policymakers advance initiatives such as the proposed EU Space Act, there is growing recognition of In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) as a cornerstone of debris mitigation, safe access to space, and long-term space sustainability. Solutions that safeguard both the space environment and operators’ investments are increasingly becoming baseline expectations.
Recent business developments confirm that this shift is real and accelerating, including a large-scale repeat commercial order of second-generation Astroscale docking plates from a leading European aerospace manufacturer. Xona has also placed a follow-on order for its Pulsar positioning, navigation, and timing satellites, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable constellation design. Together, these repeat orders demonstrate that leaders across the sector – from established primes to ambitious innovators – are embedding serviceability and sustainability into their spacecraft from the outset.
Our docking plates make satellites serviceable, resilient, and future-proof from day one. They enable in-orbit servicing, upgrades, and controlled removal at end of life, providing operators with greater flexibility when considering operations, design, and budget profiles. With access to Astroscale’s full suite of in-orbit services. Operators gain a decisive advantage: compliance with evolving regulations, lower long-term costs, and protection against the growing risks of orbital debris.
Additional benefits include:
Sustainability by Design: Actively supports debris removal and ensures sustainable operations from day one.
In it for the Long Haul: Facilitates efficient upgrades, relocations, and recoveries with minimal costs and no need for in-house design resources.
Flight-Proven Trust: Built on a decade of in-orbit servicing experience, multiple successful launches, and proven partnerships.
Technical Advantages: Features like a de-coupled top plate to alleviate thermal stress, knurled reinforced rim for robotic grappling, and a simple 3-bolt external installation make it compatible with multiple capture mechanisms and easy to integrate.
The market is sending a clear signal. Responsible operations are no longer driven solely by compliance requirements – they are being adopted at commercial scale. These repeat orders represent large-scale deployment across major constellations and show that even new entrants view sustainability as a competitive differentiator.
As the industry moves toward more sustainable and serviceable spacecraft, our flight-proven docking technology is helping set the direction. By enabling satellites that can be upgraded, serviced, or safely removed at end of life, we’re giving operators the tools to stay ahead of future requirements and evolving mission needs.
Want to learn how Astroscale can make your satellites serviceable and more sustainable? Catch us next week at Space Tech Expo Europe or contact our team today at salesDP@astroscale.com.
