Astroscale’s debris sweeping satellite takes a page out of science fiction

Astroscale, an ambitious Singapore-based startup that wants to clear space trash from Earth’s orbit, has given a glimpse of its debris-destroying satellite at Startup Asia Singapore. Japanese founder Nobu Okada outlined Astroscale’s vision while he pitched on stage as a contestant in the conference’s Startup Arena competition.

Work on the satellite is still in the beginning stages, as the international development team has just met face-to-face in April for the very first time. Nonetheless, the 3D mockup of its satellite (lead image) hints at how its plans to accomplish the task.

The Active Debris Removal system consists of a Mother satellite – all 1.5 meters of it – that will launch into space and locate the target. Once the mothership reaches its destination, it will unleash a ‘satlet’ – or Boy as the team calls it – on a suicide mission to drag the debris into the atmosphere’s fiery grave.

The team has begun work on individual components of the system. It has so far only tested the propulsion system for the Boy.

The team’s ambition of clearing space litter is no small feat. It’s addressing a problem that might become insurmountable if nothing is done. As space debris accumulate, the chances of satellites and rockets getting damaged in orbit become higher, costing the economy millions if not billions of dollars.

But becoming a leading space garbage collector requires finesse. The startup’s plan involves three phases. As a start, it will rely on commercial sponsorships of space launches to fund its R&D.

Japanese beverage brand Pocari Sweat will be funding a space launch run by Astroscale and several partners whereby a payload of Pocari Sweat will be sent to the moon.

Next, it will offer maintenance services to satellites in orbit such as damage inspection, repair, and alteration of a satellite’s orbit.

Finally, sometime between 2015 to 2020, it will offer space debris removal to satellite operators, insurance companies, and governments. Astroscale expects this to be a US$14 billion industry by the 2020s.

The company will run on a lean structure en route to its goal. Instead of working on all components in house, it has outsourced R&D to engineering teams around the world. Astroscale will be a repository of knowledge, intellectual property, and the command center of its legal, marketing, and tech-related activities.

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