Astroscale
Astroscale is a Japan-headquartered, Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed space technology company providing on-orbit servicing—including debris inspection, satellite life extension, refueling, and end-of-life removal—to space agencies, defense organizations, and commercial satellite operators across five countries.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersSumida, Japan
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Astroscale does
Astroscale is a Japan-headquartered, Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed space technology company (ticker 186A) founded in 2013 that develops on-orbit servicing solutions for satellite operators, defense agencies, and civil space agencies. The company's core technology is Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)—capabilities that allow its spacecraft to safely approach, characterize, dock with, and service satellites or debris in orbit, protected by patents including U.S. Patent No. 12,479,603 B2 for capturing tumbling satellites. Its product portfolio is organized around three solution areas: Inspect (on-orbit inspection and space situational awareness, led by ADRAS-J and the forthcoming ISSA-J1 multi-orbit mission), Service (GEO satellite life extension and refueling via LEXI-P and Provisioner), and Remove (active debris removal and end-of-life deorbiting via ELSA-M, COSMIC, and supporting Docking Plate hardware).
Astroscale monetizes through mission-specific professional services contracts, managed services, and proprietary hardware sales to government and commercial customers. FY2026 (year ended April 30, 2026) revenue reached ¥5.94 billion with project income of ¥11.5 billion (~$71M), a 141.8% year-over-year increase, backed by a ¥37.9 billion contracted backlog. Customers include JAXA, ESA, US Space Force, UK Ministry of Defence (Dstl), Japan Ministry of Defense, NASA Goddard, CNES, Eutelsat OneWeb, and SKY Perfect JSAT. The company operates through five wholly-owned subsidiaries across Japan, the UK, the US, France, and Israel, with go-to-market driven by direct enterprise engagement with space agencies, defense departments, and co-development partnerships with primes including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Exotrail, and Southwest Research Institute.
Cumulatively, Astroscale has raised over $500 million across multiple funding rounds (including Series F of $109M in 2021 and Series G of $76M in 2023) and added a ¥30.6 billion convertible-plus-equity financing in May 2026 from HULIC and SKY Perfect JSAT to scale manufacturing. Key upcoming milestones include ELSA-M commercial end-of-life service launches, LEXI-P GEO refueling readiness for USSF in 2027, and ISSA-J1 multi-orbit inspection in 2027. The company employs 251–500 people globally and is led by founder and Group CEO Mitsunobu Okada.
Astroscale firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Astroscale
- Legal name
- Astroscale Holdings Inc.
- Website
- https://astroscale.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Astroscale is a Japan-headquartered, Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed space technology company providing on-orbit servicing—including debris inspection, satellite life extension, refueling, and end-of-life removal—to space agencies, defense organizations, and commercial satellite operators across five countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Astroscale industry classification
Industry- Product category
- On-Orbit Satellite Servicing
- akta.pro primary industry
- Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)
Keywords
Where Astroscale is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sumida
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices5 records
Markets served
Astroscale business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Debris Removal Services: Active debris removal services for space debris including inspection, approach, and capture of non-cooperative objects. Revenue from government contracts (JAXA CRD2 program) and commercial operators requiring debris mitigation.
- Satellite Inspection Services: On-orbit inspection services providing close-range imagery and characterization data for satellite health assessment. ISSA-J1 mission will inspect retired Japanese satellites in different orbits during a single mission.
- Satellite Life Extension (LEX): Life extension services for GEO satellites including station-keeping, attitude control, inclination correction, and relocation. LEXI-P servicer targeting launch readiness in 2027 for US Space Force refueling missions.
- End-of-Life Services: Deorbiting services for prepared satellites equipped with docking mechanisms. ELSA-M mission will capture and remove end-of-life Eutelsat OneWeb satellites, establishing commercial deorbit-as-a-service capability.
- Docking Plates: Sale of proprietary docking plate hardware for satellite manufacturers. Second-generation product available off-the-shelf with flight heritage. Revenue from commercial satellite operators preparing for future servicing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom debris removal solutions tailored to satellite characteristics and orbital conditions |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Astroscale product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Astroscale provides on-orbit servicing solutions for satellites, including active debris removal, satellite inspection, satellite life extension via refueling and station-keeping, and end-of-life deorbiting services. Its offerings are built around proprietary Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) technology and a standardized docking plate interface, delivered as mission-specific contracts to space agencies, defense departments, and commercial satellite operators.
Product overview
Astroscale provides a comprehensive on-orbit servicing platform organized around three core solution areas: Inspect (on-orbit inspection and space situational awareness), Service (satellite life extension and refueling), and Remove (active debris removal and end-of-life deorbiting). The product portfolio includes ADRAS-J, the world's first commercial debris inspection mission; LEXI-P for GEO satellite life extension; ELSA-M for end-of-life removal of prepared satellites; COSMIC for active debris removal; and the ISSA-J1 multi-orbit inspection mission. Supporting infrastructure includes the Docking Plate (standardized servicing interface), AIRS atmospheric research initiative, and the Orbitarium operations platform. The company operates across Japan, UK, US, France, and Israel with technology validated through multiple flight missions since 2021.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ADRAS-J Commercial debris inspection spacecraft demonstrating Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) with non-cooperative space debris; achieved 15-meter approach to a rocket upper stage for JAXA.
- ADRAS-J2 Planned follow-on mission to approach, observe, and remove the same debris targeted by ADRAS-J as Phase II of JAXA's CRD2 program.
- LEXI-P (Life Extension In-Orbit - Prime) Satellite life extension servicer with station-keeping, attitude control, inclination correction, and refueling capabilities for GEO satellites; compatible with multiple GEO launch adapter rings.
- COSMIC Active Debris Removal (ADR) service for capturing and deorbiting unprepared satellites and spacecraft of different sizes and orbital configurations.
- ELSA-M (End-of-Life Service by Astroscale - Multiple) Commercial end-of-life service capturing and removing prepared satellites (e.g., end-of-life Eutelsat OneWeb satellites) using a 520kg servicer spacecraft.
- ELSA-d First commercial mission to demonstrate capture and release of orbital debris using magnetic docking technology; flight-proven demonstrator launched in 2021.
- ISSA-J1 (In-situ Space Situational Awareness - Japan 1) World's first commercial multi-orbit inspection mission; a single spacecraft will maneuver between and inspect two retired Japanese satellites (ALOS and ADEOS-II) in different orbits.
- Provisioner Refueling servicer spacecraft built for U.S. Space Force missions in GEO, enabling the first-ever hydrazine refueling operation of USSF assets under a $25.5M contract.
- Orpheus UK Ministry of Defence space domain awareness mission using two cubesats to monitor space weather and track objects in LEO; £5.15M Dstl contract.
- Docking Plate Standardized second-generation docking hardware enabling future on-orbit servicing and end-of-life removal; available off-the-shelf to commercial satellite operators.
- IRUS (In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service) Concept for robotic in-orbit refurbishment and upgrading of satellites (e.g., replacing batteries, solar panels, computers) under an ESA Phase A contract with BAE Systems as a future client.
- REFLEX-J Electric propellant refueling technology for GEO services selected under JAXA's Space Strategy Fund Program.
- ECO-Tethers System study evaluating propellant-free electrodynamic tether technologies for in-space mobility and deorbiting, under ESA with PERSEI Space and Thales Alenia Space Italy.
- End-of-Life (EOL) Service End-of-life removal service enabling safe deorbiting of prepared satellites with docking mechanisms; maximizes satellite lifetime and supports sustainable space practices.
Quantifiable outcome
- ADRAS-J achieved 15-meter approach to space debris, a world first
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Astroscale
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Astroscale technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability4 records
Feature4 records
Astroscale partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Planet Labs PBCcoreFounding participant in AIRS (Atmospheric Impact of Reentered Spacecraft) initiative. Industry-academia collaboration to improve scientific understanding of spacecraft reentry effects on Earth's atmosphere.
- University of SouthamptonsupportingFounding participant in AIRS initiative. Contributing academic research capabilities in aerospace engineering and atmospheric science to assess reentry effects on upper atmosphere.
- ExotrailcoreStrategic partnership for developing controlled deorbiting capabilities for LEO satellites. Combines Exotrail's spacevan orbital transfer vehicle with Astroscale's capture system and RPO technology. First demonstration mission planned before 2030. Supported by France 2030 contract with CNES.
- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)corePartnership for constructing LEXI-P satellite bus and Provisioner refueling servicer. SwRI's Space Systems Integration Facility in San Antonio building spacecraft for US Space Force refueling demonstration.
- GMVcoreRobotics laboratory in Spain conducted closed-loop 6DoF testing for LEXI-P. Validated RPO software and capabilities for sensing, controlling, and maneuvering in three-dimensional space.
- Japan Ministry of DefensecoreApproximately 1 billion yen contract awarded to Astroscale Japan for developing and demonstrating a general gripping mechanism system for satellite protection capabilities (December 2025 - March 2028). Second contract with Ministry following earlier prototype development order.
- Isar AerospacecoreLaunch service agreement for ELSA-M In-Orbit Demonstration mission. Spectrum launch vehicle to deploy 520kg servicer spacecraft from Andøya Space in Norway. First involvement in active debris removal mission.
- ESA - ELSA-M SupportcoreELSA-M mission supported through ESA's ARTES program (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) as part of Sunrise Partnership Project with Eutelsat.
- PERSEI SpacesupportingPrime contractor for ESA ECO-Tethers project. 12-month system study evaluating propellant-free technologies for in-space mobility and deorbiting using electrodynamic tethers.
- Thales Alenia Space ItalysupportingCollaborating with Astroscale France and PERSEI Space on ECO-Tethers project. Contributing system integration and industrial perspective to electrodynamic tether study.
- ESA (European Space Agency)coreEUR 399,000 Phase A contract for IRUS (In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service). World-first concept for satellite refurbishment and upgrading while in orbit. Eight-month study with BAE Systems as future in-orbit servicing customer.
- NASA Goddard Space Flight CentercoreSpace Act Agreement with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to test rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking capabilities of Refueler spacecraft. Prepares company for refueling operations of US DoD satellites.
- Open CosmoscoreSubcontractor building two spacecraft for Orpheus mission. Partnership for UK Ministry of Defence space domain awareness mission involving satellites built by Open Cosmos with design input from Astroscale UK.
- Rocket LabcoreLaunch provider for ADRAS-J mission. Selected to launch Phase I of JAXA's Debris Removal Demonstration Project.
- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)corePhase I of Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) program. ADRAS-J mission selected as commercial partner for world's first technology demonstration to remove large-scale debris from orbit. Follow-on ADRAS-J2 contracted for Phase II.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Astroscale competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ClearSpace: Swiss on-orbit servicing company contracted by ESA for ClearSpace-1 active debris removal mission. Directly competes with Astroscale in commercial debris removal, both targeting prepared and unprepared satellite capture and deorbit.
- D-Orbit: Italian in-orbit transportation and servicing company operating satellite carriers and last-mile delivery. Competes in the broader on-orbit services market, addressing satellite deployment, relocation, and end-of-life disposal.
- Momentus: US-based in-orbit transportation and satellite servicing provider using Vigoride orbital transfer vehicles. Targets satellite deployment, repositioning, and life-extension services for LEO and GEO operators.
- Orbit Fab: US in-orbit refueling and propellant depot operator building the RAFTI refueling interface standard. Astroscale's Provisioner is designed to use Orbit Fab's propellant depot, positioning them as adjacent infrastructure providers in the on-orbit servicing ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Northrop Grumman: Established US aerospace prime with operational Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) providing commercial GEO satellite life extension. Competes directly in GEO servicing at scale with deep government customer relationships.
- MDA: Canadian space robotics company with Canadarm heritage and commercial GEO servicing ambitions (ClearSpace partnership investor, Skygate program). Provides dexterous robotics, satellite subsystems, and is positioning in on-orbit servicing infrastructure.
- Airbus: European aerospace prime and Astroscale co-development partner. Provides broad space systems and is investing in on-orbit servicing capabilities; competes at the prime level on large-scale debris removal and servicing missions.
- Lockheed Martin: US aerospace prime and Astroscale partner for on-orbit servicing. Competes in defense space and is developing adjacent servicing capabilities, leveraging deep US government relationships to capture space sustainability contracts.
- Thales Alenia Space: European-Joint venture space manufacturer collaborating with Astroscale on ECO-Tethers project. Provides broad spacecraft manufacturing and is positioned to participate in on-orbit servicing infrastructure development.
Emerging players
- Exotrail: French space mobility company developing Spacevan orbital transfer vehicles. Strategic partner with Astroscale on controlled deorbiting mission; competes in adjacent on-orbit transportation and emerging market for satellite relocation services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Astroscale social profiles
Digital presenceAstroscale compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Astroscale financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Astroscale leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Astroscale subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Astroscale funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds12 records
Investors37 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Astroscale M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Astroscale
What does Astroscale do?
Astroscale provides on-orbit servicing solutions for satellites, including active debris removal, satellite inspection, satellite life extension via refueling and station-keeping, and end-of-life deorbiting services. Its offerings are built around proprietary Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) technology and a standardized docking plate interface, delivered as mission-specific contracts to space agencies, defense departments, and commercial satellite operators.
Is Astroscale a public or private company?
Astroscale is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Astroscale founded?
Astroscale was founded in 2013. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Astroscale based?
Astroscale is headquartered in Sumida, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Astroscale make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Debris Removal Services are the primary driver. The others are satellite Inspection Services, satellite Life Extension (LEX), end-of-Life Services and docking Plates.
Who are Astroscale's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ClearSpace, D-Orbit, Momentus and Orbit Fab. Broad incumbents are Northrop Grumman, MDA, Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Thales Alenia Space. Exotrail is listed as an emerging player.
Does Astroscale have an API?
No public API is recorded for Astroscale.
What industry is Astroscale in?
Astroscale's product category is On-Orbit Satellite Servicing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAM, Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal).