ESA CAT IOD Mission Supported by Astroscale
Marks Milestone in Addressing Orbital Debris
In-orbit servicing technologies developed by Astroscale will support the ESA Capture Bay for Active Debris Removal (CAT) for In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission, part of ESA’s Space Safety Program. This project represents a significant milestone in addressing orbital debris and advancing sustainable practices in space.
"The ESA CAT IOD development is an important step forward in the development of an active debris removal servicer compatible with future Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions.”
Dr. Jason Forshaw, Astroscale
The CAT IOD mission is a key element of ESA’s ambitious initiative to ensure satellites still in orbit at end of life are removed safely and achieve the goal of “Zero Debris” by 2030. This mission is specifically designed to mature the technologies and systems needed for in-orbit servicing, with a focus on the removal of ESA’s own satellites.
Over the next year, leading up to January 2026, the project will explore the feasibility of mission concepts, servicer spacecraft analysis and design updates, refinement of the CAT system, and advance the Design for Removal (D4R) interfaces that will underpin future servicing spacecraft.
Astroscale UK has been selected as both Mission and Platform Prime for the Phase A of one of the two parallel contracts of the ESA CAT IOD program. This role reflects Astroscale’s growing influence in the rapidly growing in-orbit servicing sector and reinforces its reputation for developing innovative and robust satellite capture and docking technologies.
In close collaboration with strategic mission partner GMV, responsible for the return CApTure payload bay, Astroscale will adapt its proven Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO)-enabled ELSA-M platform for the CAT in-orbit demonstration. The reuse of established technologies and capabilities positions the CAT IOD mission to progress smoothly through future phases, minimizing cost and risk through maximum re-use, while strengthening Europe’s supply chain in the fast-growing emerging in-orbit servicing subsector of the space industry. Potential client and CAT payload partner Added Value Solutions (AVS) will support both the CAT development activities and also provide critical input related to the potential client vehicle for the demonstration, LUR-1.
The mission also aligns with the Copernicus program, one of the world’s most ambitious Earth observation initiatives. By enabling in-orbit servicing capabilities, Astroscale is helping to ensure the long-term operability of Copernicus satellites, which are vital for monitoring and understanding our planet.
"The ESA CAT IOD development is an important step forward in the development of an active debris removal servicer compatible with future Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions and potentially other ESA and other agency or operator spacecraft." said Dr. Jason Forshaw, Head of Business Development & Product Strategy, Astroscale UK. "It’s a critical part of achieving ESA’s Zero Debris goal by 2030, and we’re proud to be playing a leading role in this vital mission.”
The CAT IOD mission is not only a technological demonstration but also a critical pathway for building confidence in the feasibility and scalability of in-orbit servicing. By fostering collaboration across Europe’s space ecosystem, the project will help establish the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable space environment.
As space activity continues to grow, initiatives like the CAT IOD mission demonstrate the importance of proactive solutions to orbital debris, ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and satellite services can continue for generations to come.
Astroscale says its role in this mission underscores its commitment to sustainable space practices and its leadership in developing cutting-edge solutions for a cleaner, safer orbital environment.