Insider Brief
- Airbus Defence and Space and Astroscale UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on improving space sustainability.
- The partnership aims to support a circular economy in the fast-growing space industry by focusing on extending satellite lifespans and removing space debris.
- In an effort to improve the efficiency of space operations and reduce the need for new satellite launches, the partnership will explore new methods to identify, capture, and remove space debris and develop technologies that enable in-orbit satellite maintenance, repair, and enhancement.
Airbus Defence and Space and Astroscale UK have reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on improving space sustainability. The partnership, which focuses on satellite servicing and space debris removal, aims to advance a circular economy in the fast-growing space industry.
This collaboration will address the growing challenge of space sustainability, specifically extending satellite lifespans and reducing space debris. The rapid increase in satellites, largely driven by private sector activity, has led to significant congestion and debris accumulation in Earth’s orbit. This debris poses a threat to operational satellites, space infrastructure like the International Space Station, and astronaut safety.
The partnership will explore new methods to identify, capture, and remove space debris. Additionally, they plan to develop technologies that enable in-orbit satellite maintenance, repair, and enhancement. These efforts will help improve the efficiency of space operations and reduce the need for new satellite launches.
Another focus of the collaboration includes developing capabilities for precise satellite maneuvering and docking, which are crucial for servicing and debris removal missions. The two companies will also investigate the potential for constructing and assembling spacecraft components directly in space. This approach would support a circular economy by reusing and repurposing resources, ultimately lowering emissions and reducing mission costs.
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