Astroscale Partners with Indian Firms to Expand Space Debris Cleanup Efforts

Japan’s Astroscale has partnered with Indian space firms Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace to develop new technology and services for space debris removal. The company aims to bid for orbital services in India within the next one to two years, marking its first major project in the Asia-Pacific region outside Japan. India is a key market due to its strong space capabilities and growing private sector involvement, and Astroscale is also exploring opportunities in South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Australia.

Recent policy changes have opened India’s space sector to private players, encouraging foreign collaborations, and the government has launched a $116 million fund to support space startups. Meanwhile, Astroscale is working with Japan’s JAXA on a debris removal mission set for 2027 and has secured contracts with the U.S. Space Force and European space agencies, focusing on satellite lifespan extension. As more satellites enter orbit, the risk of collisions increases, with estimated damages exceeding $500 million in the next five years.

CONTENTS:

• India’s Evolving Space Sector
• Astroscale’s Global Efforts in Space Sustainability
• The Growing Risk of Space Collisions
• Conclusion

Astroscale Partners with Indian Firms to Expand Space Debris Cleanup Efforts

Japan-based space company Astroscale, known for its efforts in clearing space debris, has announced a new partnership with two Bengaluru-based companies—Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace. This collaboration focuses on advancing technologies and services related to space debris removal and satellite maintenance. Astroscale hopes that within the next year or two, this partnership will lead to a bid for orbital services in India, marking the company’s first major project in the Asia-Pacific region outside Japan.

According to Eddie Kato, President of Astroscale’s Japan unit, India is a key market due to its well-established space capabilities and growing interest in space sustainability. He also mentioned that Astroscale is exploring opportunities in other Asia-Pacific countries, including South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Australia.

India’s Evolving Space Sector

Over the years, India’s space industry has shifted from being entirely government-controlled to welcoming private players. Previously, space-related activities were primarily handled by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), but recent policy changes have liberalized the market, allowing private companies and foreign entities to participate more actively. This shift has encouraged collaborations such as Astroscale’s new partnership with Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace.

To further boost private participation, the Indian government has launched a 10 billion rupee ($116 million) fund to support space startups and drive innovation in the sector. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of commercial space ventures in India and foster new technological advancements in satellite operations and orbital services.

Astroscale’s Global Efforts in Space Sustainability

While Astroscale is making its first major move into India, the company has already established itself as a leader in space debris removal and satellite servicing. Currently, it is working with Japan’s space agency, JAXA, on an upcoming mission aimed at removing space debris from orbit. This mission, scheduled for 2027, will demonstrate Astroscale’s advanced technology and serve as a significant milestone in addressing the growing issue of space junk.

Beyond Japan, Astroscale has also gained international recognition, securing contracts with the U.S. Space Force as well as space agencies in the United Kingdom and France. These contracts include experimental projects focused on satellite lifespan extension, which helps reduce the need for frequent satellite replacements and minimizes orbital congestion.

The Growing Risk of Space Collisions

As the number of satellites in orbit continues to rise, the risk of collisions has become a significant concern. Industry experts warn that uncontrolled debris and defunct satellites pose a major threat to active spacecraft, communication networks, and navigation systems. If left unaddressed, these issues could result in severe financial consequences. Estimates suggest that space debris-related collisions could cause over $500 million in damages over the next five years.

This rising threat has made space sustainability a critical priority, prompting governments and private companies worldwide to invest in debris removal solutions and orbital servicing technologies. Astroscale’s expansion into India, along with its existing collaborations with leading space agencies, highlights its commitment to ensuring a cleaner and safer space environment for future missions.

Conclusion

Astroscale’s partnership with Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace is a significant step towards enhancing India’s space sustainability efforts. With India’s space sector becoming more commercially driven and globally connected, collaborations like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of orbital services and debris management. As Astroscale continues to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, its innovations in satellite servicing and space debris cleanup will contribute to a safer and more sustainable outer space environment.