Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”) has revealed that the firm’s End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-demonstration (ELSA-d) satellite has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, ready for anticipated launch on March 20, 2021. ELSA-d will launch on a Soyuz rocket operated by GK Launch Services.
The ELSA-d mission is the first to demonstrate the core technologies necessary for space debris docking and removal, a major step towards expanding on-orbit services and achieving Astroscale’s vision of safe and sustainable space for the benefit of future generations.
A video revealing ELSA-d’s operations concept is viewable at this direct link…
“We can now begin the final phase of pre-launch activities, including integration of the satellite on the rocket and operational control testing from our In-Orbit Servicing Control Centre in the U.K.,” said Nobu Okada, Founder and CEO of Astroscale. “Despite the challenges of navigating a global pandemic for the past year, our team has stayed focused and forged ahead with mission execution — learning, adapting and progressing with every milestone. With the arrival of ELSA-d to Baikonur, we’re one step closer to demonstrating our debris removal capabilities to the world. I am proud of our team and excited for the launch.”
Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company solely dedicated to on-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, Astroscale is developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing missions, including life extension, in-situ space situational awareness, end-of-life services, and active debris removal, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the growing and hazardous buildup of debris in space. Astroscale is also defining business cases and working with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives for the responsible use of space. Headquartered in Japan, Astroscale has an international presence with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, and Singapore. Astroscale is a rapidly expanding venture company, working to advance safe and stable growth in space and solve a growing environmental concern.