Astroscale France, a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings, the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability across all orbits, and Exotrail, a French company specialising in the design, manufacturing and operation of multi-orbit and multi-mission satellites, have signed a contract to develop a satellite deorbiting mission, marking a major advancement in France-Japan cooperation on space sustainability.

This contract brings together Japanese and French expertise in on-orbit servicing to develop a capability for safely removing satellites from low Earth orbit by 2030. It builds on the companies’ existing partnership and frames their collaboration across in-space mobility, rendezvous and proximity operations and end-of-life technologies. The signing took place during a high-level visit to Astroscale’s headquarters in Tokyo by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The visit highlights the role of international commercial companies in addressing on-orbit servicing needs while strengthening national capabilities.

“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.”

During the visit, the leaders were briefed on Astroscale’s upcoming missions and its proven capabilities in rendezvous and proximity operations and inspection. Discussions also covered the company’s investment in France, operations in Paris and Toulouse, and ongoing expansion to support national and European space priorities, notably through the France 2030 investment plan. By anchoring on-orbit servicing capabilities domestically, the contract with Exotrail will accelerate strategic technologies, strengthen France’s industrial base and contribute to the development of a 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.” 

Astroscale’s expansion in France reflects its commitment to delivering innovative and scalable on-orbit servicing solutions that support the secure and sustainable development of space. With operations across Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Israel, Astroscale is connecting national initiatives to enable coordinated global action, unlocking the potential of a circular space economy while strengthening the security and resilience of space infrastructure.

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