Astroscale & HEO partner to boost satellite servicing & SDA
Astroscale has announced a three-year partnership with High Earth Orbit Robotics (HEO) to enhance space monitoring and servicing capabilities for allied defence, government, and commercial satellite operators.
The agreement between Astroscale and HEO aims to support the commercialisation of satellite servicing missions, including life extension maintenance, refuelling, and the removal of non-operational space objects, collectively known as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
Focus areas
The new memorandum of understanding broadens an existing relationship between the two firms. It extends their collaboration from activities in low Earth orbit to include geostationary and geostationary transfer orbits, which are commonly used for defence and government satellite operations. This move is expected to bolster the security and sustainability of satellites in regions critical for communications, navigation, and observation efforts.
Under this partnership, HEO will supply non-Earth imaging (NEI) and space-based space domain awareness (SDA) services. These services are seen as critical for monitoring and assessing the status and health of satellites and other orbital assets.
Both companies intend to improve the inspection and characterisation of space objects, develop catalogues of candidate debris clients, and refine operational concepts that support safe and efficient on-orbit servicing missions for allied nations.
Industry perspective
Mike Lindsay, Chief Technology Officer at Astroscale, emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts in space domain awareness and satellite servicing. He stated:
"Through this partnership, we are strengthening the connection between monitoring and managing orbital risks, advancing essential SDA capabilities, and supporting mission success across all orbits. A sustainable space ecosystem requires coordinated data and action, and we're proud to deepen our collaboration with HEO to help make it a reality."
HEO's technology will be central to the effort, providing satellite inspection solutions that support allied SDA strategies and the secure operation of national security and commercial satellites across multiple orbital regimes.
Hiranya Jayakody, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of HEO, commented on the relationship and their goals, saying:
"We've been working closely with Astroscale over the past few years to identify how NEI capabilities can create a sustainable approach to solving difficult challenges in orbit. Astroscale's accomplishments in advancing orbital sustainability speak for themselves, and we're excited to continue strengthening our partnership as we extend into new orbital regimes to support allied operations with frequent satellite monitoring and risk management capabilities."
Long-term sustainable space
The partnership aligns with Astroscale's broader efforts to provide defence and SDA capabilities. Astroscale Japan was recently awarded a contract by Japan's Ministry of Defence to develop a responsive space system demonstration satellite prototype, highlighting the company's role in advancing space security.
The companies stated that sharing technology, data, and expertise will drive the commercial and technical foundations necessary for future space operations.
The focus on enhancing resilience, reliability, and inspection capability for orbital assets is expected to underpin a more sustainable and secure space environment for government and commercial stakeholders.
