Astroscale UK, the British arm of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has successfully completed a key study on refurbishing and upgrading satellites in orbit—an initiative that could redefine the future of commercial satellite servicing. The project, conducted in collaboration with BAE Systems, is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Systems Studies for a Circular Economy in Space program.
An illustration of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J inspector satellite approaching an H-2A upper stage in low Earth orbit. Credit: Astroscale
The In-orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS) aims to shift the space industry away from the conventional single-use satellite model. Instead of deorbiting and replacing non-functional satellites, IRUS would enable robotic in-orbit upgrades, extending operational lifespans and enhancing capabilities.
Leveraging Astroscale’s existing technology, the project envisions a servicing satellite capable of docking with a modular BAE Systems client satellite. This design would facilitate in-orbit maintenance and component replacements, making space operations more sustainable.
As part of the study, DHV Technology, a specialist in spacecraft power systems, explored the impact of satellite refurbishment on solar cell technology—an essential aspect of extending a satellite’s
longevity.
Credit: Astroscale
With thousands of satellites projected to launch into low Earth orbit between 2030 and 2040, the demand for sustainable solutions is growing. In-orbit servicing could be a game-changer, reducing space debris while maximizing the value of existing satellites.
Astroscale UK led one of four teams in ESA’s initiative to develop innovative sustainability strategies for the space industry by 2050. Following a final review, the IRUS project was selected for further refinement at ESA’s Concurrent Design Facility (CDF). Astroscale and BAE Systems will collaborate with ESA experts to advance the mission concept, with additional funding discussions set for ESA’s ministerial conference in November.
"As satellite launches become more frequent, ensuring space sustainability is crucial," said Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK. "A satellite upgrading service would allow customers to replace outdated components or enhance performance, keeping satellites operational for longer. This is a vital step toward a circular space economy."
Doug Liddle, Director of Space at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence division, echoed the sentiment: "By designing satellites that can be upgraded in orbit, we reduce space debris and unnecessary launches. Collaboration is key to innovation, and our partnership with Astroscale exemplifies this forward-thinking approach."
The IRUS study outlines a roadmap to make in-orbit refurbishment a standard practice by 2040, with a planned In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission set for 2030. This initiative will complement Astroscale’s ongoing End-of-Life service, which successfully tested deorbiting technology with the ELSA-d spacecraft in 2021. A follow-up mission in 2026 will see the ELSA-M servicer deorbit a retired Eutelsat OneWeb satellite.
As the space industry moves toward sustainability, Astroscale and BAE Systems are positioning themselves at the forefront of the circular space economy—an effort that could redefine how satellites are built, maintained, and utilized in the decades ahead.
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