Space Junk targeted:
IDRS to help enable communications for Astroscale’s
ELSA-M debris removal mission
December 5, 2022
Astroscale Limited, and
Addvalue are delighted to announce the signing of a
contract for the delivery of IDRS™ technology via
Inmarsat geostationary satellites for Astroscale’s
forthcoming End-of-Life Services by Astroscale
(ELSA-M) debris satellite capture mission. With Low
Earth Orbits increasingly congested, the ELSA-M
in-orbit demonstration is planned to launch towards
the end of 2024, with ambitious plans to deliver a
commercial debris removal or End of Life service to
satellite operators thereafter. Astroscale’s mission
is to help safeguard the vital space-enabled
services including weather forecasting, disaster
management, satellite navigation, data for banking
systems and communication services on which so many
countries and companies now depend.
IDRS™ will play a crucial role
in Astroscale’s innovative offer by providing
continuous real-time connectivity during proximity
maneuvering to capture the Client satellite and
ready it for de-orbiting. The contract between
Astroscale and Addvalue covers the supply of IDRS™
space terminal equipment for this first mission and
will be followed by a Service Agreement in support.
The game-changing IDRS™
solution makes this all possible by using the
world’s only ‘Always-On’ on-demand, real-time
connection for any LEO satellite. This enables
access to 24/7 data communication services with LEO
satellites across all orbital inclinations up to
altitudes of 1,000 km. It also removes the need for
waiting for a pass over a ground station to command
and control the satellite during time sensitive
operation such as maneuvering close to a debris
satellite. This is achieved
through connecting to the global Inmarsat ELERA
constellation of GEO satellites and its BGAN ground
infrastructure to deliver global coverage and
connectivity in near real time.
Astroscale UK and Europe
Managing Director Nick Shave, said, “This new
agreement with Addvalue and Inmarsat for IDRS™ to
support the ELSA-M mission reflects the same vision
and ambition that so recently saw Astroscale win the
2022 ‘Sustainability in Space’ award at the European
Space Forum in Brussels. By capturing failed
satellites in LEO and actively de-orbiting them, we
can help eliminate dangerous orbiting debris and
make our near-Earth environment safer and more
secure for all.”
Tan Khai Pang, Chief Executive
Officer of Addvalue, commented, “We’re honored to be
working with Astroscale, a private company with a
vision for the safe and sustainable development of
space for the benefit of generations to come. We are
gratified that IDRS will play an important role in
helping Astroscale shape a more debris-free space
future.”
”Space is everyone’s front yard
and Inmarsat is committed to space sustainability
for the good of the whole planet. This new
partnership enables us to continue to contribute to
it with Addvalue and Astroscale,” said Todd
McDonell, President of Inmarsat Global Government.
“Inmarsat’s ELERA geostationary satellites and
global ground network – part of our developing
ORCHESTRA network of networks – deliver reliable and
robust connectivity for the essential missions of
our customers and partners, including this
innovative approach to safeguarding space for all.”
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