- Astroscale recently raised $51 million in Series E funding
- The total funding raised by the company till now is $191 million
- The startup acquired the IP and staff of Effective Space Solution this year
- The funding was led by aSTART
Astroscale is an on-orbit service and logistic startup. The Japan-based company raised $51 million in its Series E funding round. The total funding raised by the company so far is $191 million. Astroscale serves to deliver new solutions to orbital end-of-life.
This means it makes orbital operations more feasible and durable. It offers easy ways to de-orbit spacecraft safely after the expiry of their service life. It clears the growing orbital debris problem. The problem is emerging as more companies create satellites and constellations.
At present, Astroscale has expanded its missions. It will now include extending the life of geostationary satellites. This initiative will make the orbital operating environment more feasible. It is going to supplement the projected exponential explosion in orbital activity.
This year Astroscale also announced that it is acquiring the staff an IP of Effective Space Solutions. This company was in the process of developing a “space drone”. It could launch to provide other on-orbit services such as serving existing satellites.
The company could serve the infrastructure and handle tasks like refueling and repairs. Servicing low Earth orbits (LEO)will also be included
Employee Self Services has formed the basis for Astroscale in Israel. It is a new international office for the company’s global spanning. Astroscale will now focus on geostationary life extension.
Future aspects of Astroscale
The funding process of the company was led by aSTART and a group of investors. Astroscale is the most funded on-orbit service and logistic globally and the most funded space venture in Japan.
Funding secured will be used to help the Astroscale to establish its global offices. The company aims to increase its team to more than 140 people.
Astroscale’s orbital debris-removal technology will get its exposition soon. Currently, it is set for the first demonstration mission. The demonstration is more likely to take place in the second half of the year. Additionally, it will launch a Russian Soyuz rocket.
Space debris is a serious issue that can affect our daily lives. It can also disturb environmental sustainability and the global economy. Astroscale is developing new on-orbit servicing capabilities. It will use two spacecraft for de-orbiting to clasp on to target debris which is to be removed.