Flight Heritage Achieved for Astroscale Gen 2 Docking Plate
Flew to Space Aboard SpaceX Transporter-12 Mission
The second generation (Gen 2) docking plate from Astroscale has flown into space for the first time. The docking plate was aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission, which lifted off on Jan 14, 2025.
“This launch underscores the space industry’s growing commitment to sustainable operations.”
Nick Shave, Astroscale UK
The second-generation docking plate was integrated into an Astro Digital Corvus-XL bus. This integration highlights a forward-looking approach to responsible satellite operations, aligning with international best practices and adoption of guidelines for end-of-life and servicing preparation.
The Gen 2 docking plate is a small, lightweight interface designed for easy integration and maximum flexibility to enable docking for servicing and disposal requirements.
Building on the space-proven ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, the docking plate has also completed rigorous qualification testing for radiation, UV exposure, vibration, and shock, ensuring a low-risk, production-ready solution. It is a durable and reliable option for long-term satellite missions. The docking plate integrates seamlessly into a wide range of satellite platforms, and its advanced ferromagnetic technology ensures reliable capture during servicing.
“This launch underscores the space industry’s growing commitment to sustainable operations,” said Nick Shave, Managing Director, Astroscale UK. “Our second-generation docking plate is a critical enabler for future-proofing satellites – paving the way for safe and efficient on-orbit servicing, ensuring the longevity of orbital assets, as well as disposal when required.”
“The Astroscale docking plate was seamless to integrate and reinforces the industry’s collective vision of sustainable space usage,” noted Kunal Desai, Astro Digital Program Manager.
With this Gen 2 docking plate now in orbit and gaining traction in the industry, Astroscale is advancing its mission to support global efforts aimed at ensuring space remains a viable environment for scientific exploration, commercial activity, and international collaboration.