Japan’s Astroscale Teams Up with Indian Firms to Tackle Space Debris and Expand in Asia

Astroscale, a Japanese company specializing in space debris removal, has partnered with India’s Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace. The collaboration aims to provide orbital services to Indian clients within 1-2 years, marking Astroscale’s first expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. India’s recent shift in space policy encourages private sector involvement, with a fund supporting startups. Astroscale is also working with Japan’s JAXA on a debris removal mission set for 2027 and has secured contracts with the U.S., UK, and French space agencies. With increasing satellite numbers, collision risks could lead to over $500 million in damages in five years.

Japan’s Astroscale Teams Up with Indian Firms to Tackle Space Debris and Expand in Asia

Japan’s Astroscale, a company dedicated to cleaning up space debris, has partnered with two Indian space startups—Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace—to develop cutting-edge technologies for managing orbital waste. This collaboration marks Astroscale’s first expansion into the Asia-Pacific region outside of Japan. The companies plan to launch services for Indian clients within the next one to two years, focusing on solutions to monitor and remove defunct satellites and other debris cluttering Earth’s orbit.

Why India?

Eddie Kato, President of Astroscale, highlighted India’s growing role in the global space industry as a key reason for this move. Over the past few years, India has opened its space sector to private companies, shifting from a government-dominated model to a more collaborative approach. Recent policy reforms, such as allowing private players to build rockets and satellites, and the creation of a 10 billion rupee (approximately $120 million) fund to support space startups, have made the country an attractive hub for innovation. Kato emphasized that India’s combination of technical expertise, cost-effective solutions, and supportive policies aligns perfectly with Astroscale’s goals.

The Rising Threat of Space Junk

The urgency to address space debris is growing as thousands of satellites, old rocket parts, and fragments from past collisions orbit Earth. With companies like SpaceX and OneWeb launching massive satellite constellations for internet services, the risk of collisions has increased. A single crash could create thousands of new debris pieces, triggering a chain reaction known as the “Kessler Syndrome,” which could render certain orbits unusable. Experts warn that such incidents could cause over $500 million in damages to satellites and space infrastructure in the next five years alone.

Astroscale’s Global Missions

Astroscale isn’t new to the challenge. The company has already partnered with Japan’s space agency, JAXA, on a mission slated for 2027 to capture and remove large debris objects. Their technology involves using robotic spacecraft equipped with magnetic docking systems to safely drag debris back into Earth’s atmosphere, where it burns up. Beyond Japan, Astroscale has secured contracts with the U.S. Space Force, the UK’s Space Command, and France’s space agency to offer services like inspecting aging satellites, fixing malfunctions, and extending their operational lifespans.

What’s Next for India?

Through its Indian partnerships, Astroscale plans to introduce two key services. First, Digantara, a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in space surveillance, will collaborate on tracking debris and mapping risky zones in orbit. This data will help satellite operators avoid collisions. Second, Bellatrix Aerospace, known for its electric propulsion systems, will work on technologies to reposition satellites or guide them safely out of orbit at the end of their missions. Together, these efforts aim to make space operations safer and more sustainable.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the plan is promising, challenges remain. Developing cost-effective debris removal methods and convincing governments and companies to invest in cleanup services are significant hurdles. However, India’s thriving startup ecosystem and engineering talent could accelerate progress. For instance, Bellatrix’s electric thrusters—which use less fuel than traditional systems—could make satellite maintenance more efficient. Similarly, Digantara’s AI-powered monitoring tools might provide real-time collision alerts, reducing risks for active satellites.

A Global Push for Cleaner Orbits

Astroscale’s expansion reflects a broader shift toward sustainable space exploration. Countries and companies are increasingly recognizing that unchecked debris could jeopardize future missions, including lunar and Mars projects. The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA have also ramped up efforts to fund debris removal projects, while the United Nations continues to draft guidelines for responsible space behavior.

For India, this partnership is a chance to strengthen its position as a leader in the space industry. By embracing private-sector innovation, the country could become a key player in orbital services—from satellite launches to debris management. As more nations look to the stars, collaborations like Astroscale’s initiative with Indian startups highlight the importance of global teamwork in preserving space for generations to come.

In Short

Astroscale’s entry into India signals a major step in combating space junk. By combining Japanese expertise with India’s tech-driven startups, this alliance aims to pioneer solutions that keep orbits clean and satellites safe. With space becoming increasingly crowded, such efforts aren’t just optional—they’re essential to preventing a cosmic traffic jam.