Speaker
Description
Astroscale, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and BAE Systems (for the client satellite), is developing a pioneering mission to conduct refurbishment and upgrading services for an asset in low Earth orbit. The In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS) mission aims to develop a servicer platform capable of servicing clients within a standardized framework. The mission leverages platform heritage from Astroscale, such as ELSA-M and COSMIC, the solution for the UK’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission, and is aiming for launch and operation within the next five years.
Establishing these technologies now is vital, as they are projected to be primary drivers of the ISAM market. This talk will detail the mission’s latest developments, including the mission concept of operations and the novel technologies required for the mission. By providing a template for future refurbishment and upgrading services, the IRUS mission serves as a foundational step toward a broader in-orbit economy, enabling advanced capabilities such as in-orbit assembly, manufacturing, and recycling.