Astroscale France Celebrates Milestone Year: Driving Innovation and Expanding Capabilities in Space Sustainability
Astroscale France SAS, a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability across all orbits, celebrated its first anniversary this month, marking a year of significant achievements. These include team growth and the conclusion of a feasibility study contract with the French national space agency, Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales (“CNES”), for active debris removal (ADR), setting the stage for continued innovation and growth in the on-orbit servicing market.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of Astroscale France and reflect on our accomplishments over the past year,” said Managing Director of Astroscale France, Philippe Blatt. “Our partnership with CNES and the rapid growth of our team highlight our commitment to advancing the on-orbit servicing ecosystem. We look forward to continuing our work with French and European partners to drive innovation and sustainability in space. The next year promises to be even more exciting as we expand our capabilities and impact in the space industry.”
In its inaugural year, Astroscale France has successfully recruited and onboarded 15 highly qualified engineers and personnel, with plans to expand the team to 20 by the end of 2024. Located at the heart of the European space ecosystem, Astroscale France is attracting top-tier candidates and creating local highly skilled jobs in areas such as Assembly, Integration and Verification, Guidance, Navigation and Control, Propulsion, Systems, Ground Segment Engineering, and Avionics.
This rapid growth has enabled Astroscale France to reach a critical size to design and execute its technical roadmap, leveraging heritage from the Astroscale Group and leading innovation in Toulouse with French and European partners. By building in-orbit capabilities within the French industry, Astroscale France is establishing a new market in France, and positioning the country as a leader in space sustainability.
Alongside the CNES feasibility study, Astroscale France has built a network of outstanding French and European partners in complementary technologies, including leading universities and industry partners. The company has expanded its supply chain and is joining prominent groups such as Club Galaxie and the club StartAir from the GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales).
Astroscale France has made significant strides in technical and operational areas and has begun building a dedicated technical laboratory in Toulouse, using insights and knowledge gained from the success of flight-proven missions and the development of ELSA-M. These efforts are part of a clear-cut innovation strategy to optimize Astroscale’s existing heritage for future on-orbit services.
Looking ahead, Astroscale France aims to further develop its lab and increase collaboration with French and European partners to bridge technological gaps, improve mission performance, reduce costs, and expand accessible on-orbit servicing markets. The company is focused on anchoring itself in the French and EU markets by capturing new opportunities, growing as a diverse and innovative team, and raising awareness of Astroscale’s mission. Astroscale France is also committed to supporting efforts for regulations and standards to ensure space sustainability.
Astroscale France is at the forefront of providing on-orbit servicing solutions for French and European customers. Headquartered in Paris, with its principal office in Toulouse, Astroscale France develops innovative technologies for rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking. The company also provides policy and economic expertise to support strategic capacities in on-orbit servicing throughout France and Europe. Leveraging Astroscale’s heritage, the company invests in cutting-edge technologies and collaborates with a network of French and European partners to develop unique and pioneering on-orbit servicing solutions including in-situ space situational awareness, active debris removal, end-of life, and life extension. Dedicated to Astroscale’s vision, Astroscale France is committed to ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations.
