European Sustainability in Space Award Won by Astroscale
The Sustainability in Space award was presented to Astroscale at the European Space Forum in Brussels last month.
“The award demonstrates Astroscale’s leadership in the space sustainability market. We are rapidly developing our satellite End-of-Life servicing and active debris removal technology for use by 2025 by both commercial and institutional markets."
Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale Limited.
Astroscale was selected as the winner by a panel of expert judges consisting of representatives from the European Commission, ESA and leading space and satellite trade associations, with all conference participants at The European Space Forum also having an audience vote.
The Sustainability in Space Award celebrates projects and organizations in particular from across Europe that demonstrate innovative technology that contributes to space sustainability. The award seeks to recognise organizations boosting the sustainability of the space ecosystem by tackling challenges such as hazardous space debris and orbital congestion.
Sustainability in Space Award Shows Confidence in Astroscale Technologies
This award demonstrates confidence in Astroscale’s End-of-Life Service satellite technology, which was first demonstrated by the currently operating ELSA-d demonstration mission. As the next step, the company is developing the ELSA-M multi-client removal commercial mission and service, designed to remove defunct satellites from low Earth orbit under a public-private partnership with ESA. ELSA-M has a supply chain from across Europe with over 70 percent of the spacecraft sourced from ESA Member States.
Astroscale was also recognized for its satellite Docking Plate, a simple, low-cost technology solution that can be integrated onto satellites before they launch to prepare them for future servicing, much like a car tow-bar for satellites. The Docking Plate is universal and can be captured using a magnetic interface or robotic grappling mechanism when equipped satellites are ready to be captured, and de-orbited or serviced in the near future.
“The award demonstrates Astroscale’s leadership in the space sustainability market. We are rapidly developing our satellite End-of-Life servicing and active debris removal technology for use by 2025 by both commercial and institutional markets," said Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale Limited, the company’s UK and Europe subsidiary. "We will continue to collaborate closely with partners from across Europe and globally. Our mission is to make the space environment safe and sustainable for current and future generations.”
(Images provided with Astroscale news release and company YouTube video)