Astroscale expands operations to France and secures contract with CNES

Astroscale expands operations to France and secures contract with CNES
by Simon Mansfield
Jindabyne, Australia (SPX) Jun 27, 2023

Astroscale, a leading player in orbital sustainability and on-orbit servicing, has announced the opening of Astroscale France SAS ("Astroscale France") and a significant contract win with the French national space agency, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES).

Astroscale's growth into France and its collaboration with CNES represent a pivotal stride in the quest for a safe and sustainable space environment. Moreover, this expansion and partnership symbolize France's substantial investment in space sustainability. As per Nobu Okada, Astroscale's Founder and CEO, the alliance of Astroscale's leadership in on-orbit servicing with CNES's esteemed space heritage strengthens France's position as a global front-runner in both sustainable space policy and innovative space technologies.

The deal with CNES, scheduled for signing on June 20 at the prestigious Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, lays the foundation for a partnership between Astroscale France and CNES. This partnership encompasses a funded study focused on the active removal of French space debris. The specifics of which debris will be targeted by the program are to be determined in the early part of 2024.

This alliance is in alignment with CNES's goals of promoting long-term space sustainability and further solidifying France's leadership position in the space sector, as emphasized by Philippe Baptiste, President of CNES. CNES is pleased to fund this study, which fosters international cooperation, innovation, and an active commitment to preserving our shared space environment.

Astroscale France is incorporated in Paris and will soon establish larger facilities in the region, in addition to appointing a Managing Director and other key personnel. To cater to its growing customer demand, Astroscale has increased its workforce globally, now boasting approximately 450 team members. Astroscale France is the newest in a series of global facility openings and upgrades that Astroscale has undertaken, with other sites located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, and its global headquarters in Tokyo.

This expansion underlines Astroscale's continuous efforts to lead and collaborate on a global scale to achieve a more sustainable space environment.