Astroscale, a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings, the global leader in in-orbit servicing, has been awarded a EUR 399,000 (approximately £350,000) Phase A contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the design of the In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS), a pioneering mission concept that will enable satellites to be upgraded, repaired, and extended while in orbit. This initiative supports ESA’s Space Safety Programme, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to reducing orbital risks and ensuring safe operations for future generations.

With the involvement of the spacecraft manufacturer and operator, BAE Systems, in the role of a future in-orbit servicing client, IRUS represents a major step towards a circular space economy, where satellites are maintained, repaired and enhanced in orbit rather than treated as single-use. Developing this new capability will pave the way for more complex In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities – as refurbishment and upgrading are essential precursors to assembling and manufacturing platforms in space.

A foundation for future missions

The eight-month Phase A study contract will develop the technical groundwork and commercial case for in-orbit refurbishment and upgrading services. The team will explore how robotic and servicing technologies can safely connect with and refurbish satellites already in orbit, assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of upgrading a satellite or extending its life through replacing degraded or out-of-date subsystems such as batteries, solar panels and on-board computers. By enabling refurbishment and upgrades in orbit, IRUS reduces the need for replacement launches and mitigates the risk of creating additional debris, a key priority for space safety.

Towards a circular space economy

IRUS builds on Astroscale’s leadership in orbital servicing and debris removal to create a new class of in-orbit capability – one focused on refurbishment and enhancement rather than disposal. This study also builds on Astroscale’s proven Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) technology, demonstrating its continuous and repeatable use as the foundation for future in-orbit servicing missions. The first mission concept will demonstrate how upgrades can be performed on a BAE Systems modular satellite platform in space, which will save cost, reduce launch requirements, and improve resilience.

By advancing these capabilities, the project opens the door to a new generation of sustainable space missions that enable satellites to benefit from technology developments back on earth, whilst reducing costs for operators, and strengthening European competitiveness in space services.

Building UK capability and growth

IRUS also brings important opportunities for the UK space sector. The study will draw on national expertise in robotics, modular design, and servicing systems, in addition to business analysis skills for a niche area of the market, supporting innovation and high-value employment across the country, and firming the UK’s leadership in ISAM.

By developing these skills and technologies now, the UK will be well positioned to benefit from emerging commercial and government markets for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing in the years ahead.

“Astroscale is very pleased to have been selected by ESA for the IRUS Phase A project, a bold and exciting step towards a true circular space economy,” said Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK. “By exploring how satellites can be upgraded and enhanced in orbit, we are helping to shape a sustainable future for space – one that delivers long-term value for operators, governments, and society in general. This study is an important milestone for Astroscale, our industrial partners, and for the UK’s growing strength in in-orbit servicing and dual-use technologies that will support both civil and defence space activities.”

“We’re committed to ensuring space is sustainable both now and in the future, and IRUS is an important step on that journey,” said Rachael Hoyle, Director of Space, BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business. “By working with Astroscale, we’re combining world-class in-orbit servicing expertise with BAE Systems’ space systems and defence integration capabilities to develop technologies that have both civil and defence applications. IRUS demonstrates how dual-use innovation can reduce debris, lower launch needs, and build resilient space infrastructure for the UK and its allies.”

“ESA’s mission to demonstrate in-orbit refurbishment is a key step toward a circular economy in space, aiming to enable sustainable orbital operations, to reduce space debris, and to extend satellite lifetimes, aligning with ESA’s Space Safety Programme objectives,” said Ross Findlay, Head of Sustainable Engineering Section at ESA. “It supports ESA’s 2040 strategy and positions European industry as leaders in sustainable orbital operations. This first demonstration lays the groundwork for future ISAM missions and ESA’s goal of becoming space-debris neutral by 2040.”

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