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Ron Lopez, President and Managing Director, Astroscale, USMost of the debris comes from the inactive satellites, the upper stages of launch vehicles, or discarded bits left over from separation that remain in orbit above Earth’s atmosphere. And, when one piece collides with another, even more debris is released. These space particles pose a serious threat to future space flight missions that may result in severe life and monetary casualties. Other inconveniences include inaccurate weather forecasting and faulty disaster monitoring services. Having understood the dire consequences of free-floating space debris, Astroscale, an innovative space technology solutions provider, has come up with large-scale preventative measures for tracking and removing these pieces of space debris.
Founded six years ago by Nobu Okada, an IT entrepreneur with a passion for space tech, Astroscale is an international enterprise whose core focus lies in ensuring space flight safety and sustainability of the orbital environment. The company is led by a stellar management team—comprised of professionals who are equally as passionate as the founder—and offers a range of services to effectuate its definitive goals.
“We are one of the few companies around the world proposing to actively mitigate the impending crisis of space debris,” says Ron Lopez, president and managing director of Astroscale, US. To date, over 8,950 satellites have been launched by various countries and about 5000 of them are currently orbiting the planet. It is estimated that right now, 34,000 large objects and 130 million smaller than one-centimeter pieces are revolving around the Earth at speeds of up to 22,370 mph. These numbers depict the immediacy with which governments around the world must pool their resources to avoid the adverse effects of unattended space debris. But, embarking on such a gigantic mission to clean the orbital environment is no easy feat. These pieces are legally owned by various nations across the globe and need to be addressed quickly and effectively. To help them streamline this process, Astroscale offers Active Debris Removal (ADR) services. The company’s ADR services are an effort to collaborate with international space agencies, providing them with the cutting-edge technologies to capture and remove environmentally-critical debris, such as rocket upper stages and defunct satellites. Astroscale is also well-equipped to help space operators and users avoid future space debris issues with its End-of-Life Service (ELSA) program: a spacecraft retrieval service for international satellite operators in Low Earth Orbit. The company has built the ELSA-d (demonstration) spacecraft—set to launch this year—to exhibit its technological prowess in debris docking and removal.
With the help of these robust services, and the company’s efforts to reform outdated regulations, Lopez believes that space flight and orbital safety in 2020 is set to witness new technological innovations. That being said, the company’s work with the OneWeb mega-constellation on implementing a low-cost, advanced grappling fixture across the constellation also ensures the sustainable future of the orbital environment. More recently, with regard to governments prioritizing debris removal issues, Lopez comments, “The Japanese aerospace exploration agency, JAXA, is already planning a two-phase plan of action, and Astroscale is well-equipped to support them from technological as well as regulatory perspectives.” With such promising efforts underway, Astroscale is perfectly poised to create a safer and cleaner orbit for the world’s most ambitious forthcoming space flight endeavors.
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We are one of the few companies around the world actively proposing to mitigate the impending crisis of space debris
With the help of these robust services, and the company’s efforts to reform outdated regulations, Lopez believes that space flight and orbital safety in 2020 is set to witness new technological innovations. That being said, the company’s work with the OneWeb mega-constellation on implementing a low-cost, advanced grappling fixture across the constellation also ensures the sustainable future of the orbital environment. More recently, with regard to governments prioritizing debris removal issues, Lopez comments, “The Japanese aerospace exploration agency, JAXA, is already planning a two-phase plan of action, and Astroscale is well-equipped to support them from technological as well as regulatory perspectives.” With such promising efforts underway, Astroscale is perfectly poised to create a safer and cleaner orbit for the world’s most ambitious forthcoming space flight endeavors.
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Astroscale
Company
Astroscale
Management
Ron Lopez, President and Managing Director, Astroscale, US
Description
Astroscale is one of the few companies in the world proposing to aid in the removal of orbital debris through the provision of End of Life (EOL) and Active Debris Removal (ADR) services. Astroscale’s Active Debris Removal services are an effort to collaborate with international space agencies, providing them with the cutting-edge technologies that enable missions toward capturing and removing environmentally-critical debris, such as rocket upper stages and defunct satellites. Astroscale is also well-equipped to help avoid future space debris issues with its End-of-Life Service (ELSA) program: a spacecraft retrieval service for international satellite operators. The company has built the ELSA-d (demonstration) spacecraft—set to launch this year—to exhibit its technological prowess in debris docking and removal
Astroscale News
Astroscale U.S. Appoints Carolyn Belle as Director, Advanced Systems, and Rob Staples as Program Manager
Astroscale's Founder & CEO, Nobu Okada, Elected as a Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation
October - Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), the market-leader in securin g long-term orbital sustainability, today announced its Founder & CEO, Nobu Okada, has been elected as a Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) from October 2020 for a three-year period.
Over 400 IAF member organizations from 71 countries, including all leading space agencies, companies and institutions were represented at the IAF General Assembly Plenary Meeting held on October 15, where Okada was elected alongside other Vice Presidents from a number of spacefaring countries including the United States, Germany and China.
In his newly appointed position, Okada intends to contribute to the IAF as a representative of Japan and the Asian region, an advocate for orbital sustainability and a voice for the emerging new space sector.
“ I am truly honored to be named one of the IAF’s Vice Presidents -- this is an acknowledgement of the changing nature of the global space community as industry begins to play a bigger role ,” said Nobu Okada, Founder & CEO. “ I am particularly humbled because seven years ago I was an outsider to the space sector, and now, with this appointment, I feel I can offer a new perspective to the community based on my experience. I would like to thank everyone who supported me during the election process. ”
Okada has emerged as a leading voice in the global space community, representing various constituencies, including the international venture sector, Asia’s space industry and those in support of sustainable growth in space. In addition, Okada is a highly trusted member of various international organizations, including co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space, where he played a key role in developing the concept of a Space Sustainability Rating, a system designed to ensure long-term sustainability by encouraging responsible behavior among countries and companies participating and operating in space.
Over 400 IAF member organizations from 71 countries, including all leading space agencies, companies and institutions were represented at the IAF General Assembly Plenary Meeting held on October 15, where Okada was elected alongside other Vice Presidents from a number of spacefaring countries including the United States, Germany and China.
In his newly appointed position, Okada intends to contribute to the IAF as a representative of Japan and the Asian region, an advocate for orbital sustainability and a voice for the emerging new space sector.
“ I am truly honored to be named one of the IAF’s Vice Presidents -- this is an acknowledgement of the changing nature of the global space community as industry begins to play a bigger role ,” said Nobu Okada, Founder & CEO. “ I am particularly humbled because seven years ago I was an outsider to the space sector, and now, with this appointment, I feel I can offer a new perspective to the community based on my experience. I would like to thank everyone who supported me during the election process. ”
Okada has emerged as a leading voice in the global space community, representing various constituencies, including the international venture sector, Asia’s space industry and those in support of sustainable growth in space. In addition, Okada is a highly trusted member of various international organizations, including co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space, where he played a key role in developing the concept of a Space Sustainability Rating, a system designed to ensure long-term sustainability by encouraging responsible behavior among countries and companies participating and operating in space.
Astroscale Brings Total Capital Raised to U.S. $191 Million, Closing Series E Funding Round
Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), the market-leader in securin g long-term orbital sustainability, today announced it has closed its Series E round with additional funding of U.S. $51 million from a group of investors led by aSTART Co., Ltd. (“aSTART”). This latest round brings the total investment raised to U.S. $191 million and makes Astroscale the most funded on-orbit services and logistics company globally and most funded space venture in Japan.
The significant investment raised since its founding in 2013 has allowed Astroscale to establish a global footprint across five countries and grow to over 140 team members. Each of the five global offices are working in concert to achieve the Astroscale mission of safe and sustainable development of space for future generations. Astroscale Japan is on schedule to ship the pioneering End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-demonstration (ELSA-d) mission, the world’s first demonstration of commercial orbital debris removal. Astroscale U.K. is leading the development of the In-Orbit Servicing Control Centre - National Facility, which will form the basis for satellite servicing mission operations. Astroscale U.S., and its newly established subsidiary, Astroscale Israel, are focused on satellite servicing research and developing a mission for life extension of geostationary (GEO) satellites. With the addition of an administrative office in Singapore, Astroscale is uniquely positioned to meet the global challenges of securing orbital sustainability.
“ In Astroscale’s seven-and-a-half-year history, we have seen a growing awareness of the debris issue and the recognition that protecting space technologies is essential for improving our daily lives and helping to ensure sustainability on Earth ,” said Nobu Okada, Founder & CEO. “ Our multiple funding rounds are a testament to the power of Astroscale's vision of space sustainability, and this latest series will allow us to continue developing the technologies that will lead the debris removal and on-orbit servicing market. ”
“Space debris is a serious issue that has the potential to affect our daily lives, the global economy and environmental sustainability,” said Kazumasa Watanabe, CEO of aSTART. “Astroscale is not only leading the market with its unrivaled technology, but is also making a global impact by contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This combination of technology advancement and societal benefit is why aSTART has invested in Astroscale since Series C. We will continue to support Astroscale in developing new on-orbit servicing capabilities which will benefit humankind.”
Senior officials from government and industry have been increasingly expressing concerns over the growing dangers of space debris to assets in orbit. Recently, near misses of space debris with the International Space Station and multiple conjunction warnings for both active and defunct satellites have spurred more concerted international action to overcome the issue.
At the same time, independent valuations have estimated that life extension and other on-orbit satellite services will provide significant value to commercial and government operators by repairing or upgrading assets rather than just replacing them.
This latest funding round will allow Astroscale to continue developing technologies, defining business cases and working with policymakers to ensure debris issues are addressed and servicing opportunities for sustainability are realized.
Investors in Astroscale Series E Round:
• AS aSTART 1 Limited Partnership (aSTART Co., Ltd.)
• Hulic Co., Ltd.
• I-NET CORP.
• SHIMIZU CORPORATION
• SPARX Space Frontier Fund (SPARX Innovation for Future Co.,Ltd.)
The significant investment raised since its founding in 2013 has allowed Astroscale to establish a global footprint across five countries and grow to over 140 team members. Each of the five global offices are working in concert to achieve the Astroscale mission of safe and sustainable development of space for future generations. Astroscale Japan is on schedule to ship the pioneering End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-demonstration (ELSA-d) mission, the world’s first demonstration of commercial orbital debris removal. Astroscale U.K. is leading the development of the In-Orbit Servicing Control Centre - National Facility, which will form the basis for satellite servicing mission operations. Astroscale U.S., and its newly established subsidiary, Astroscale Israel, are focused on satellite servicing research and developing a mission for life extension of geostationary (GEO) satellites. With the addition of an administrative office in Singapore, Astroscale is uniquely positioned to meet the global challenges of securing orbital sustainability.
“ In Astroscale’s seven-and-a-half-year history, we have seen a growing awareness of the debris issue and the recognition that protecting space technologies is essential for improving our daily lives and helping to ensure sustainability on Earth ,” said Nobu Okada, Founder & CEO. “ Our multiple funding rounds are a testament to the power of Astroscale's vision of space sustainability, and this latest series will allow us to continue developing the technologies that will lead the debris removal and on-orbit servicing market. ”
“Space debris is a serious issue that has the potential to affect our daily lives, the global economy and environmental sustainability,” said Kazumasa Watanabe, CEO of aSTART. “Astroscale is not only leading the market with its unrivaled technology, but is also making a global impact by contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This combination of technology advancement and societal benefit is why aSTART has invested in Astroscale since Series C. We will continue to support Astroscale in developing new on-orbit servicing capabilities which will benefit humankind.”
Senior officials from government and industry have been increasingly expressing concerns over the growing dangers of space debris to assets in orbit. Recently, near misses of space debris with the International Space Station and multiple conjunction warnings for both active and defunct satellites have spurred more concerted international action to overcome the issue.
At the same time, independent valuations have estimated that life extension and other on-orbit satellite services will provide significant value to commercial and government operators by repairing or upgrading assets rather than just replacing them.
This latest funding round will allow Astroscale to continue developing technologies, defining business cases and working with policymakers to ensure debris issues are addressed and servicing opportunities for sustainability are realized.
Investors in Astroscale Series E Round:
• AS aSTART 1 Limited Partnership (aSTART Co., Ltd.)
• Hulic Co., Ltd.
• I-NET CORP.
• SHIMIZU CORPORATION
• SPARX Space Frontier Fund (SPARX Innovation for Future Co.,Ltd.)
Belle brings more than a decade of experience facilitating dynamic space industry growth and diversification. She most recently led KSAT’s smalls at communications network development in the U.S., ensuring that KSAT remained the market leader in smalls at communications services. Prior to this role, she worked as a consultant and analyst with Northern Sky Research and the Space Foundation specializing in satellite manufacturing, launch, emerging applications and diversified space architectures. She has led STEM outreach initiatives such as Yuri's Night and Cool Science as well as efforts to strengthen women’s roles and recognition within the space industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado College with a focus in biology and chemistry and a Master’s in space management from the International Space University.
Staples brings over 20 years of experience across satellite, launch vehicle and ground systems, with roles in systems engineering, operations and program management. He was most recently the Director of Business Development at CesiumAstro, driving growth for software-defined communications systems. Prior to this position, he worked on the ground station team at OneWeb, driving production planning and supply chain operations for the roll out of the initial ground stations. In 2013 he joined Surrey Satellite Technology in the U.K. to lead their launch business line, and before that was with Airbus Defence and Space in the U.K., where he held systems engineering, procurement and program management roles, along with leading a major reorganization of the payload business unit. He holds a Bachelor’s of engineering in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Plymouth.
Belle will help explore and expand AstroscaleU.S.’ business opportunities and technological applications with partners and customers in the commercial and government space and technology communities. Staples will help ensure that the company’s systems and technology development happens on time and on budget to meet customer needs.
“The rapidly growing on-orbit servicing and logistics market will be sustained with both new ideas for applications and services and with reliable delivery of the best technology,” said Ron Lopez, President and Managing Director of Astroscale U.S. “Carolyn and Rob bring outstanding experience and relationships in the space industry that will help us deliver on current business and grow in new and exciting ways.”
Since its establishment in April 2019, Astroscale U.S. has made key additions to its management team including Dr. Clare Martin, Executive Vice President, Becky Yoder, Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Operations, Charity Weeden, Vice President of Global Space Policy, Dave Fischer, Vice President of Business Development and Advanced Systems and Dave Hebert, Director of Communications. The company has also established a subsidiary, Astroscale Israel Ltd., which performs research and payload development for satellite life extension and other on-orbit services. The Astroscale U.S. and Israel teams bring decades of experience in business development, operations, policy and communications in the aerospace industry. This expertise positions Astroscale U.S. to work with satellite operators, government, and regulatory and legislative bodies to meet the challenges of orbital logistics and sustainability.