The ELSA-d satellite is the first to demonstrate in space the core technologies needed to attach to space junk and remove it from orbit. The company states that this is a significant step towards expanding the service in space orbit and achieving Astroscale's vision of a sustainable space for the benefit of future generations
The space cleaning satellite ELSA-d (End-of-Life Services Demonstrator) of Astroscale, the market leader in the field of long-term sustainability in space, was sent late last week to the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan after its completion at the company's facilities in Tokyo, Japan. The satellite is intended for launch on a Soyuz launcher in March 2021. According to Gene Fuji, Astroscale's chief engineer, going to the launch pad is always a significant milestone in any satellite development program. "We have moved from the production phase to the launch phase and carrying out the mission and we are eager to see it in space."
The ELSA-d satellite is the first to demonstrate in space the core technologies needed to attach to space junk and remove it from orbit. The company notes that this is a significant step towards expanding the service in space orbit and achieving Astroscale's vision of a sustainable space for the benefit of future generations.
Astroscale is the only company in the world today that focuses exclusively on providing services in space both in low satellite orbit and in geosynchronous orbit (altitude 35,786 km above the Earth's equator). The company develops tiny satellite solutions that will be used for a variety of tasks in space, such as extending the life of satellites, disposing of space debris and changing the position of satellites while in orbit in space. Astroscale Israel is considered among the global pioneers in the field of space operation services. The company has developed some of the most promising and innovative space service technologies on the market. Its Space Drone satellite program, which is currently developing into a platform for extending the life of Astroscale satellites in geosynchronous orbit, has already been widely recognized by leading satellite operators - including among potential customers as a cost-effective, innovative and service-compatible solution Satellites in space.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
Founder and CEO of Astroscale, Nobu Okada, was named "Person of the Year" by SpaceNews magazine.
