Astroscale France and French space company Exotrail have signed a contract to develop a satellite deorbiting mission, in a move the companies say is intended to strengthen France-Japan cooperation on space sustainability.
The agreement aims to develop a capability to remove satellites safely from low Earth orbit by 2030, according to the announcement. The companies said the work will draw on their existing partnership and cover in-space mobility, rendezvous and proximity operations, and end-of-life technologies.
The signing occurred during a visit to Astroscale’s headquarters in Tokyo by French President Emmanuel Macron and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The companies described the visit as reflecting a growing focus on on-orbit servicing and the role of commercial providers alongside national programmes.
“This agreement between Astroscale France and Exotrail demonstrates the capacity of France and Japan to leverage their respective industrial and technological expertise in support of space innovation,” said President Macron. “Together, we are advancing the development of orbital services that will underpin the space economy of the 21st century.”
“This contract demonstrates how commercial and government collaboration across borders can deliver the solutions needed to manage space safely and sustainably,” said Philippe Blatt, Managing Director of Astroscale France. “Collaboration across industry and nations is essential to build a viable and scalable on-orbit servicing sector for all.”
Astroscale said the delegation was briefed on its upcoming missions and capabilities in rendezvous and proximity operations and satellite inspection. The company also referenced its operations in Paris and Toulouse and plans to expand its presence in France, including support aligned to the France 2030 investment plan.
The announcement said the Exotrail contract is intended to support domestic on-orbit servicing capabilities in France and contribute to a broader European ecosystem for satellite servicing and debris mitigation.
“Our relationship builds on Astroscale’s competences across Japan and France, and reaffirms the French Government support for Exotrail through France 2030,” said Jean-Luc Maria, CEO and cofounder of Exotrail. “We are delighted to team up with Astroscale to further enhance capabilities addressing both the commercial needs of operators, as well as strategic and sovereign endeavors.”
On-orbit servicing and deorbiting capabilities are increasingly being positioned as responses to the growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit and rising concerns over congestion and debris, including the security and resilience of critical space-based services.