The JPY7.27 billion contract is Astroscale’s entry into Japan’s defence market.

 

Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) awarded Astroscale Holdings’ Japanese subsidiary a JPY7.27 billion (USD48 million) contract to develop a “responsive space system demonstration satellite prototype”, according to the company’s press release on 27 February.

The “highly manoeuvrable and compact satellite” will maintain a geostationary orbit, conducting rendezvous and proximity operations (RPOs) with optical communications technology. It will also support and enhance the MoD’s space domain awareness (SDA), space surveillance, and in-orbit capabilities.

The contract spans between March 2025 to March 2028 and includes developing and testing a proto-flight model.

“A future on-orbit demonstration will aim to enhance autonomous and agile satellite operations, space environment monitoring capabilities while bolstering the safety and sustainability of Japan’s space operations”, the company added.

This demonstration is part of the MoD’s broader aims to establish optical communication links between geostationary satellites through an optical data relay satellite.

Astroscale Japan had not replied to DSEI Japan’s request for comment on the adoption of its commercial technologies for defence purposes at the time of publication.

The contract sees the company diversify its Japanese offering – building upon its commercial activities – by adapting its RPO products for defence purposes.

Astroscale is known for its efforts in the realm of RPO, space debris removal, and its advances in on-orbit servicing.

In June 2024, the company received a USD1 billion valuation when it made its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as a startup.

 

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Author Details

Benjamin Howe
Defence Journalist

Benjamin is a UK-based Journalist working for Clarion Defence and Security, having previously worked as a Content and Community Manager on Clarion's digital products.