Advancing in-orbit servicing: Astroscale’s role in ESA’s CAT IOD mission

Astroscale UK is making strides in in-orbit servicing technologies as it takes on a pivotal role in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Capture Bay for Active Debris Removal (CAT) for In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission, part of ESA’s Space Safety Programme. This project represents a significant milestone in addressing orbital debris and advancing sustainable practices in space.

A step towards orbital sustainability

The CAT IOD mission is a key element of ESA’s ambitious initiative to ensure satellites still in orbit at end of life are removed safely and achieve the goal of “Zero Debris” by 2030. This mission is specifically designed to mature the technologies and systems needed for in-orbit servicing, with a focus on the removal of ESA’s own satellites. 

Over the next year, leading up to January 2026, the project will explore the feasibility of mission concepts, servicer spacecraft analysis and design updates, refinement of the CAT system, and advance the Design for Removal (D4R) interfaces that will underpin future servicing spacecraft.

Astroscale’s leadership in space

Astroscale UK has been selected as both Mission and Platform Prime for the Phase A of one of the two parallel contracts of the ESA CAT IOD programme. This role reflects Astroscale’s growing influence the rapidly growing in-orbit servicing sector and reinforces its reputation for developing innovative and robust satellite capture and docking technologies.

 In close collaboration with strategic mission partner GMV, responsible for the return CApTure payload bay, Astroscale will adapt its proven Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO)-enabled ELSA-M platform for the CAT in-orbit demonstration. The reuse of established technologies and capabilities positions the CAT IOD mission to progress smoothly through future phases, minimizing cost and risk through maximum re-use, while strengthening Europe’s supply chain in the fast-growing emerging in-orbit servicing subsector of the space industry.

Testing the CAT (Return Capture Payload Bay) system for active debris removal (ADR) at the exclusive GMV´s Platforma-art© robotics laboratory.

Testing the CAT (Return Capture Payload Bay) system for active debris removal (ADR) at the exclusive GMV´s Platforma-art© robotics laboratory. Credit: GMV.

Enabling a sustainable space future

The mission also aligns with the Copernicus program, one of the world’s most ambitious Earth observation initiatives. By enabling in-orbit servicing capabilities, Astroscale is helping to ensure the long-term operability of Copernicus satellites, which are vital for monitoring and understanding our planet.

Dr Jason Forshaw, Head of Business Development & Product Strategy, Astroscale UK, highlighted the broader significance of the project: “The ESA CAT IOD development is an important step forward in the development of an active debris removal servicer compatible with future Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions and potentially other ESA and other agency or operator spacecraft. It’s a critical part of achieving ESA’s Zero Debris goal by 2030, and we’re proud to be playing a leading role in this vital mission.”

Building momentum for future missions

The CAT IOD mission is not only a technological demonstration but also a critical pathway for building confidence in the feasibility and scalability of in-orbit servicing. By fostering collaboration across Europe’s space ecosystem, the project will help establish the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable space environment.

As space activity continues to grow, initiatives like the CAT IOD mission demonstrate the importance of proactive solutions to orbital debris, ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and satellite services can continue for generations to come.

Astroscale’s role in this mission underscores its commitment to sustainable space practices and its leadership in developing cutting-edge solutions for a cleaner, safer orbital environment.

Astroscale UK is making strides in in-orbit servicing technologies as it takes on a pivotal role in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Capture Bay for Active Debris Removal (CAT) for In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission, part of ESA’s Space Safety Programme. This project represents a significant milestone in addressing orbital debris and advancing sustainable practices in space.

A step towards orbital sustainability

The CAT IOD mission is a key element of ESA’s ambitious initiative to ensure satellites still in orbit at end of life are removed safely and achieve the goal of “Zero Debris” by 2030. This mission is specifically designed to mature the technologies and systems needed for in-orbit servicing, with a focus on the removal of ESA’s own satellites. 

Over the next year, leading up to January 2026, the project will explore the feasibility of mission concepts, servicer spacecraft analysis and design updates, refinement of the CAT system, and advance the Design for Removal (D4R) interfaces that will underpin future servicing spacecraft.

Astroscale’s leadership in space  

Astroscale UK has been selected as both Mission and Platform Prime for the Phase A of one of the two parallel contracts of the ESA CAT IOD programme. This role reflects Astroscale’s growing influence the rapidly growing in-orbit servicing sector and reinforces its reputation for developing innovative and robust satellite capture and docking technologies.

 In close collaboration with strategic mission partner GMV, responsible for the return CApTure payload bay, Astroscale will adapt its proven Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO)-enabled ELSA-M platform for the CAT in-orbit demonstration. The reuse of established technologies and capabilities positions the CAT IOD mission to progress smoothly through future phases, minimizing cost and risk through maximum re-use, while strengthening Europe’s supply chain in the fast-growing emerging in-orbit servicing subsector of the space industry.

Testing the CAT (Return Capture Payload Bay) system for active debris removal (ADR) at the exclusive GMV´s Platforma-art© robotics laboratory.

Testing the CAT (Return Capture Payload Bay) system for active debris removal (ADR) at the exclusive GMV´s Platforma-art© robotics laboratory. Credit: GMV.

Enabling a sustainable space future

The mission also aligns with the Copernicus program, one of the world’s most ambitious Earth observation initiatives. By enabling in-orbit servicing capabilities, Astroscale is helping to ensure the long-term operability of Copernicus satellites, which are vital for monitoring and understanding our planet.

Dr Jason Forshaw, Head of Business Development & Product Strategy, Astroscale UK, highlighted the broader significance of the project: “The ESA CAT IOD development is an important step forward in the development of an active debris removal servicer compatible with future Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions and potentially other ESA and other agency or operator spacecraft. It’s a critical part of achieving ESA’s Zero Debris goal by 2030, and we’re proud to be playing a leading role in this vital mission.”

Building momentum for future missions

The CAT IOD mission is not only a technological demonstration but also a critical pathway for building confidence in the feasibility and scalability of in-orbit servicing. By fostering collaboration across Europe’s space ecosystem, the project will help establish the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable space environment.

As space activity continues to grow, initiatives like the CAT IOD mission demonstrate the importance of proactive solutions to orbital debris, ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and satellite services can continue for generations to come.

Astroscale’s role in this mission underscores its commitment to sustainable space practices and its leadership in developing cutting-edge solutions for a cleaner, safer orbital environment.