Astroscale U.S. is the American arm of Tokyo-based Astroscale. They focus on satellite servicing and space debris removal for both U.S. government and commercial clients.
The company set up its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and offers critical on-orbit services to protect American space assets.
Astroscale U.S. aims for safe and sustainable space development using advanced on-orbit servicing tech. They concentrate on three main things: satellite life extension, space debris removal, and spacecraft inspection.
Their mission is all about protecting American space infrastructure. They extend the life of valuable satellites and remove debris that could ruin active missions.
They work directly with the United States Space Force on refueling missions. These projects show that commercial companies can actually deliver new space capabilities on time and within budget—pretty impressive if you ask me.
Astroscale U.S. claims to be the first private company focused solely on on-orbit servicing in all orbital environments. They offer scalable solutions for civil, defense, and commercial space operators.
Astroscale U.S. runs with a lot of independence from its Tokyo parent. They do this to meet American space sector needs more effectively.
The subsidiary sticks to U.S. government contracts and American commercial clients. They’ve landed major contracts with the U.S. Space Force for satellite refueling, which says a lot about the military’s faith in Astroscale U.S. for national security.
They respond quickly when NASA needs fast solutions. The team uses the same disciplined approach for both Space Force and civilian missions.
Astroscale U.S. keeps full control over its American contracts and security protocols. This setup lets them handle sensitive government work while staying transparent with U.S. agencies.
Astroscale U.S. headquarters is in Denver, Colorado, right on Delaware Street in the South Broadway area. They turned a historic 1910 industrial train depot into a modern space operations facility.
Being in Denver puts them close to U.S. space industry partners and government agencies. Colorado’s aerospace corridor means they’re near military space commands and commercial space companies.
The headquarters houses mission control, engineering teams, and administrative staff. Neoera, a Denver architecture firm, handled the renovation—mixing old-school character with modern tech needs.
This one location brings together all U.S. operations and keeps them connected to international Astroscale sites. The facility supports current missions and leaves room for future growth in American space servicing.
Astroscale U.S. handles a wide range of space operations that keep satellites working and stretch out their lifespan. They specialize in three areas: servicing solutions for different missions, inspection and maintenance, and precise spacecraft maneuvering.
Astroscale U.S. offers advanced on-orbit servicing in several operational domains. Their Denver team provides inspection, awareness, transportation, life extension, debris removal, and refueling services.
Their on-orbit servicing solutions include the ISSA, LEX, ADR, and EOL platforms. Each one tackles specific needs for government and commercial clients.
They’ve built a Refueler spacecraft that’s a big leap in satellite life extension tech. This system docks with existing satellites, provides fuel, and keeps them running much longer.
Space Domain Awareness and Inspection services give operators a full view of their orbital environment. These tools help predict collisions and check satellite health.
Maneuvering and Endurance solutions let satellite operators stay flexible. Mission planners can adapt to changes without launching new satellites.
Removal and Deorbit Services protect space assets by getting rid of debris. This reduces the risk of collisions that could wipe out expensive satellites.
Their inspection services focus on thorough satellite health checks and maintenance. Astroscale U.S. deploys specialized spacecraft to approach and evaluate target satellites.
Their maintenance services go beyond just looking. The team can actually repair or replace components while satellites stay in orbit.
These operations need precise navigation and control. The inspection spacecraft keeps a safe distance while gathering imagery and sensor data.
Debris hazard removal is a big part of maintenance. They can get rid of small debris that threatens satellites, so operators don’t have to add heavy shielding.
Regular inspections make fleet management way more effective. Operators can plan repairs based on real wear, not just guesses.
RPO capabilities let Astroscale U.S. spacecraft safely approach and dock with target satellites. These moves demand extreme precision and advanced navigation.
In July, the company signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Together, they’re testing rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking skills—pretty big for national security and on-orbit servicing.
RPO tech helps commercial operators keep earning from older satellites. It stretches payload lifespans and boosts operational flexibility.
Proven RPO capabilities set the stage for all advanced servicing. Without solid approach and docking, fuel transfer or repairs just can’t happen.
The NASA partnership tests and validates these systems for future missions. It makes sure Astroscale U.S. meets strict safety and performance standards for government work.
Astroscale USA builds advanced monitoring systems that track objects in space and spot threats to satellites. They blend spaceborne sensors with ground analysis to give real-time data about what’s happening up there.
Astroscale USA runs spacecraft with special sensors that watch space objects right from orbit. This in-situ space situational awareness (ISSA) approach gives more accurate data than ground-based tracking.
Their ADRAS-J mission pulled off the first complete inspection of an unprepared space object. That’s a big deal, showing how ISSA tech can approach and analyze dead satellites or debris.
ISSA spacecraft gather detailed info on object size, shape, and movement. They can spot tiny debris that ground radar just can’t see.
Key ISSA capabilities include:
This tech helps satellite operators figure out what’s threatening their assets. ISSA missions can catch problems before they get out of hand.
Astroscale USA keeps tabs on the space environment to help operators make smart choices. They monitor debris fields, satellite moves, and hazards in different orbits.
Their monitoring systems update space conditions often. This data helps predict when satellites might face higher collision risks.
They share orbital environment data with government agencies. This info supports national space surveillance.
Monitoring services focus on:
Operators use this info to plan satellite maneuvers and dodge trouble. It also helps with new satellite mission planning.
Astroscale USA provides full space domain awareness services for military and commercial clients. They pull from multiple data sources to build detailed pictures of space activity.
The company watches satellite behavior patterns to spot threats or odd moves. Their systems notice when objects drift from expected paths.
Space domain awareness features include:
Military users lean on these services for tactical advantages. Commercial operators use the data to protect satellite investments and ensure mission success.
They team up with established space surveillance organizations. This teamwork builds a clearer overall picture of space activity for everyone.
Astroscale USA tackles both end-of-life satellite management and active debris removal. They’ve set up two service categories to deal with space junk now and stop more from piling up. Their approach combines smart capture tech and solid mitigation strategies.
Astroscale USA’s end-of-life services target satellites launched with special docking plates. These prepared satellites can connect with Astroscale’s servicer spacecraft when their missions wrap up.
The ELSA-M program is the first commercial end-of-life service for full-sized satellites. This magnetic removal system lets one servicer grab several client satellites in a single trip.
Right now, 568 satellites in low Earth orbit carry Astroscale’s docking plates. That’s a growing fleet, and the company expects decent revenue from planned deorbiting.
Their approach stops working satellites from turning into space junk. When a satellite reaches its end, Astroscale’s servicer docks to the plate and guides both into Earth’s atmosphere for safe destruction.
| Service Feature | Capability |
|---|---|
| Multi-client removal | One servicer handles multiple satellites |
| Magnetic capture | Secure attachment to prepared satellites |
| Controlled deorbit | Safe atmospheric reentry |
Active debris removal goes after junk that doesn’t have docking plates or prep systems. Astroscale USA develops tech to capture unprepared debris using Rendezvous and Proximity Operations.
The ADRAS-J mission was the first to approach big debris pieces successfully. This showed that spacecraft can safely get close to spinning, uncontrolled objects in orbit.
Astroscale’s ADR system uses a distributed, reusable model. Several small servicer spacecraft work together instead of one big vehicle. It’s more flexible and keeps costs down.
They work with groups like the United States Space Force and international agencies. These partnerships fund tech development and supply target debris for removal.
ADR missions need smart sensors and artificial intelligence. The servicers have to analyze debris rotation, predict moves, and capture objects without making things worse.
Astroscale USA pushes strategies to cut down on space debris. Their Life Extension services repair and refuel satellites, stopping early failures that add to the junk problem.
In-situ Space Situational Awareness gives real-time orbital monitoring. Their sensor networks track debris movement and predict collision risks for active satellites.
They’re strong advocates for mandatory end-of-life planning on new satellite launches. That means requiring docking plates or propulsion for controlled deorbit.
Astroscale’s servicing goes beyond low Earth orbit. They’re building tech for geostationary and medium Earth orbit cleanup, where satellite real estate is precious and threatened by debris.
Sustainability partnerships with satellite operators set up long-term service contracts. These deals guarantee end-of-life services from the design stage, making sure space operations stay responsible from launch to disposal.
Astroscale U.S. has built strategic partnerships with military, civil, and commercial groups to push American space capabilities forward. They work directly with the United States Space Force on satellite refueling missions, and they’ve signed agreements with NASA and other government agencies.
Through its partnership with the Space Force, Astroscale U.S. runs two active refueling missions for Department of Defense satellites in geostationary orbit. These missions mark the first time a commercial company refuels American military satellites in space.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center hosted months of rigorous testing for the company’s Refueler spacecraft through August 2025. The team validated tricky rendezvous, proximity, and docking maneuvers needed for these missions.
This partnership puts Astroscale U.S. at the forefront of on-orbit servicing for national security satellites. The American space sector now taps into commercial services that extend satellite life without massive replacement costs.
NASA signed a Space Act Agreement with Astroscale U.S., laying the groundwork for future commercial partnerships in space servicing. That agreement sets an example for other U.S. companies chasing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
The partnership with Goddard Space Flight Center gives Astroscale access to top-tier testing facilities. These labs previously supported Hubble Space Telescope servicing and other major projects.
Astroscale U.S. teams up with commercial satellite operators to offer on-orbit services. In August 2025, they kicked off a partnership with Xona Space Systems to use Pulsar satellites’ navigation signals for better operations.
Astroscale U.S. keeps up partnerships with multiple national security agencies and civil agencies beyond just the Space Force and NASA. These relationships focus on building advanced on-orbit servicing for government satellites.
The company works with defense agencies to tackle specific orbital logistics problems. These projects often require specialized security clearances and U.S.-only personnel.
Government partnerships also stretch to regulatory agencies that manage commercial space. Astroscale U.S. coordinates with these groups to make sure they stick to federal policies and safety rules.
Astroscale U.S. leads bold space missions that really shake up how things work in orbit. The company is about to pull off the first commercial satellite refueling for the Department of Defense and is building life extension tech to keep spacecraft running longer than anyone expected.
Astroscale U.S. plans to make history in summer 2026 with the first-ever hydrazine refueling mission above geostationary orbit for a Department of Defense satellite. The Space Force picked them for a $25.5 million Space Mobility and Logistics contract to show commercial on-orbit services in action.
Their 300-kilogram Refueler spacecraft carries a refillable hydrazine tank for two planned refueling jobs. This mission sets a new standard for scalable refueling that helps satellites keep moving.
Southwest Research Institute builds the spacecraft bus, and Orbit Fab supplies the refueling interfaces. Together, they’re setting up a complete refueling ecosystem in space—client spacecraft, servicer, and depot, all working together.
This demo shows commercial companies can deliver real space capabilities on schedule and on budget. Refueling will happen in geostationary orbit, which is where so many vital defense and comms satellites hang out.
Astroscale U.S. creates LEX (Life Extension) tech to stretch satellite lifespans with on-orbit services. These programs aim to keep spacecraft systems and parts working, even as the harsh space environment tries to wear them down.
LEX services cover propellant transfer, component swaps, and system maintenance. They target both government and commercial satellites that are nearing the end of their original missions.
Key LEX services include orbital maintenance, attitude control help, and subsystem repairs. These skills cut the need for pricey replacements and help keep space infrastructure humming.
The programs fit with existing satellites and future designs. Astroscale U.S. works with manufacturers to add interfaces that allow life extension services throughout a satellite’s journey.
Astroscale U.S. isn’t stopping at refueling—they’re moving into space logistics and debris cleanup. They’re working with Cambrian Works on a 30-day NASA study to develop concepts for next-level orbital services.
Planned capabilities include:
Their roadmap leans heavily on scalable commercial solutions for both defense and civilian needs. Future missions will show off transportation, servicing, and debris removal across a range of orbits.
Astroscale U.S. wants to be the go-to for space mobility and logistics. Their mission list keeps growing to cover complex operations and long-term support for orbital infrastructure.
Astroscale U.S. builds advanced on-orbit servicing tech to stretch satellite lifespans and keep space infrastructure up and running. Their systems focus on flexible mission designs and sharp spacecraft control.
Astroscale U.S. designs modular spacecraft that can switch between different mission needs. One system might handle refueling, component swaps, or debris removal, all built on the same platform.
Their servicer spacecraft come with standardized docking interfaces. That means they can hook up with a variety of satellites, no huge redesigns needed.
Key Architecture Components:
This flexible approach cuts costs by reusing hardware for different jobs. One spacecraft design can handle life extension, debris cleanup, or even satellite moves.
Astroscale U.S. loads its spacecraft with high-end propulsion and guidance for accurate orbital work. These systems let them safely approach and dock with targets in all sorts of orbits.
They add autonomous navigation technology that lowers the need for ground control. Their spacecraft use onboard sensors and computer vision to spot and track targets.
The maneuvering setup includes:
With these tools, Astroscale U.S. can work in crowded orbits, weaving around satellites and debris while hitting millimeter-level accuracy on service tasks.
Astroscale USA is all about sustainable orbital operations. They’re leading the way with debris removal services and satellite life extension tech. Their circular space logistics systems help use assets to the fullest and cut down on orbital pollution.
Astroscale USA tackles space debris head-on with removal missions and preventive tech. Their specialized spacecraft handle tricky rendezvous and proximity work in orbit.
The ELSA-M platform anchors their on-orbit services. These missions capture dead satellites and guide them to safe reentry, stopping chain-reaction collisions that could wreck entire orbital zones.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
Astroscale teams up with satellite operators to install standard docking plates on new satellites. This makes future servicing and end-of-life disposal a lot simpler. They’ve already launched improved Version 2 docking plates on recent missions.
Astroscale goes beyond debris removal, diving into full satellite servicing and upgrades. They’re working with BAE Systems on the IRUS project to build modular satellite upgrade tech.
Upcoming missions will swap out old parts for new ones while satellites stay in orbit. They’ll upgrade processors, instruments, and solar arrays—no trip back to Earth needed. That keeps satellites operational and up-to-date.
Circular economy services cover:
The European Space Agency picked Astroscale’s circular economy plan over three others. Astroscale brought in commercial clients to prove there’s real demand for sustainable space operations. This approach means fewer launches, less clutter, and better use of what’s already up there.
Astroscale U.S. steps in to fill big gaps in space operations. They provide on-orbit services that boost national security and help the commercial space industry grow across the board.
Astroscale U.S. backs the U.S. Space Force with advanced satellite servicing missions in geostationary orbit. Their spacecraft can refuel, inspect, and maintain military satellites that protect U.S. interests.
They signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to test docking tech. This partnership proves that American companies can service government satellites in space.
Key national security capabilities include:
Astroscale U.S. runs operations out of Denver, tapping into Colorado’s aerospace talent. Their 13,500 square foot facility houses mission control for government space work.
The Space Force now gets commercial servicing at a fraction of replacement costs. Military satellites can stick around for decades instead of getting tossed when they run out of fuel.
Commercial satellite operators now have access to space logistics that work a lot like transportation on Earth. Astroscale U.S. is changing how companies think about satellite operations by making in-orbit refueling routine.
Their rendezvous and docking tech opens new business models for satellite makers. Designers can build lighter satellites, knowing refueling is available in space.
Industry growth areas:
Astroscale U.S. launched operations in 2019 and quickly teamed up with major aerospace contractors. Their parent company even captured and moved a satellite during the ELSA-d mission, proving commercial servicing works.
American space companies now design satellites with refueling in mind. This shift lowers launch costs and makes long-term, sustainable space operations possible for both commercial and government players.
Astroscale U.S. is run by seasoned aerospace pros who bring decades of know-how to on-orbit servicing. The company blends local American leadership with global technical expertise from its parent group.
The leadership at Astroscale U.S. really leans on veterans from the space industry. Ron Lopez leads as President, steering the mission to transform orbital operations.
Dr. Clare Martin sits on the Board as Director, using her technical background to shape strategy. Becky Yoder handles finances as Board Treasurer, drawing on years of experience in space ops and finance.
Janna Lewis rounds out the core governance team as Board Secretary. The management team keeps growing—Dave Fischer came on as VP of Business Development, and David Hebert took up senior roles in operations.
Jack Deasy jumped in as Vice President of Business Development, helping to strengthen commercial ties. Together, these execs bring decades of hands-on experience in satellite ops, government contracts, and aerospace tech.
The team puts a lot of energy into building partnerships with national security agencies, civil space groups, and commercial satellite operators in the U.S.
Astroscale U.S. operates as an independent American company but taps into the global Astroscale network for technical resources. This setup boosts their capabilities for tough orbital servicing missions.
The collaboration brings expertise from international Astroscale missions right into U.S. projects. Advanced docking tech and mission design know-how transfer directly to American teams.
Policy and economic experts share knowledge between offices, which helps Astroscale U.S. navigate tricky regulations and shifting markets. The global network also passes along the latest R&D in satellite servicing.
Technical teams work together across time zones, tackling orbital logistics problems that need specialized skills. This international cooperation really gives Astroscale U.S. an edge in delivering solutions for government and commercial clients.
The network lets the company scale up operations while keeping its sights set on American space leadership.
Astroscale USA draws in mission-driven folks from all kinds of engineering and policy backgrounds. The company puts a premium on building diverse teams—people who mix technical chops with fresh thinking to push orbital servicing forward.
At Astroscale USA, you’ll find roles for just about every engineering specialty and technical field. They’re looking for aerospace engineers, software developers, AI specialists, and project managers to keep on-orbit missions moving.
Engineering jobs focus on spacecraft design, autonomous systems, and robotics for satellite servicing. Software engineers build flight control systems and mission planning tools. Policy pros who get space regulations and government contracts also play a big role.
Remote work gives technical staff some flexibility. Astroscale handles engineering, development, and operations in-house to meet government needs.
Internship programs are open for students eager to break into the space industry. Interns get hands-on with orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, and mission ops.
Astroscale USA works to open space careers to people beyond the usual aerospace crowd. The company believes that mixing up skill sets leads to better ideas in orbital servicing.
Leadership often points out that space needs talent from all over—computer science, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and policy studies all bring something to the table.
The culture here values open communication and professional growth. Team members get support for both technical learning and career moves in the growing space services field.
Astroscale looks for candidates who pair technical skill with real passion for sustainable space. They want people who see the importance of orbital debris removal and satellite life extension.
Astroscale U.S. has set up channels for companies interested in orbital services partnerships or space debris removal projects. They focus on government contracts and commercial satellite operators that need end-of-life services.
Astroscale U.S. runs a streamlined contact process for clients interested in orbital debris removal or satellite life extension. Companies can reach out via the official contact form, sharing basic info like name, email, phone, and project details.
They mainly serve commercial satellite operators, U.S. government agencies, and international partners. Services include Active Debris Removal (ADR) and End of Life (EOL) solutions.
Their in-house engineering team can take on complex space missions. This lets them offer custom solutions for clients with unique orbital needs.
Inquiries usually focus on mission-critical orbital solutions for government and commercial clients. Astroscale highlights its commitment to American leadership in space through advanced on-orbit servicing.
Astroscale U.S. looks for partners who care about space sustainability and debris removal. They team up with government agencies, commercial operators, and international partners on joint missions.
Collaboration opportunities cover satellite inspection, spacecraft maneuvering help, and debris removal operations.
Partnership talks often involve the Space Development Agency (SDA) and other government programs that need specialized orbital services. Astroscale U.S. aims to play a key role in securing American space assets.
International partnerships matter for growing their services worldwide. The company works with global partners to tackle space debris and orbital congestion.
Their approach keeps the focus on sustainable space operations and supporting mission success for everyone involved.
Astroscale USA answers big questions about orbital debris removal and space sustainability. Partnerships with government and commercial operators drive solutions for America’s growing space infrastructure challenges.
Astroscale USA uses advanced on-orbit servicing tech, combining autonomous navigation with precise robotic capture. Their spacecraft rely on proximity sensors and computer vision to spot and approach debris safely.
They mainly use magnetic capture plates to latch onto cooperative satellites. These docking interfaces make controlled deorbit maneuvers possible, avoiding extra fragments.
They’ve also developed inspection tools with high-res cameras and sensors. These systems check debris condition and orbit before removal.
Astroscale USA changes space operations by offering logistics services in orbit. They handle transportation, inspection, refueling, and disposal to stretch satellite lifespans.
Their debris removal missions cut collision risks for active spacecraft. Each capture helps prevent dangerous chain reactions that could create thousands of new fragments.
Their servicing lets operators get more value and time from satellites. This cuts down on replacement launches and helps ease space traffic congestion.
Astroscale USA teams up with national security agencies, civil agencies, and commercial satellite operators. These partnerships lay the groundwork for full-service orbital solutions.
In August 2025, the company landed a NASA concept study contract through Cambrian Works. This project supports research into debris removal techniques and mission planning.
Recent commercial deals include docking plate agreements with UK-based operations. These partnerships help Astroscale grow its network while keeping American operations independent.
Astroscale USA delivers mission-critical orbital solutions for U.S. government clients. They work as an independent American company but lean on global Astroscale expertise.
Current work includes installing commercial docking plates and running NASA-funded concept studies. These missions test key tech for bigger debris removal campaigns.
The company keeps projects going with government and commercial clients. Mission details often stay confidential for national security reasons.
Astroscale USA tackles space debris with a full suite of on-orbit servicing. They mix immediate debris removal with preventive satellite servicing.
Their approach includes building standardized docking interfaces for future satellites. This move helps ensure new spacecraft can be serviced or safely removed at end-of-life.
They plan to scale up through proven tech and smart partnerships. This expansion lets them target multiple debris objects across different orbits.
Astroscale USA draws its financial support from its global parent company network. This setup gives the company operational stability, but it still keeps its American corporate independence.
They bring in revenue through government contracts and commercial service agreements. Lately, the company’s contract wins show that more organizations want orbital servicing capabilities.
Astroscale USA hasn’t shared many details about its investments. Still, you can tell they have substantial operational funding just by looking at their Denver and Washington D.C. facilities.
These locations help drive both technical operations and government relations activities.
