Astroscale and Exotrail Advance Japan-France Cooperation for Space Sustainability
Astroscale France and Exotrail signed an agreement to develop a satellite de-orbiting mission by 2030. The announcement coincided with French President Macron's visit to Astroscale HQ.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 02:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 2, 2026 at 19:35
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Astroscale France SAS (hereinafter 'Astroscale France'), the French subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (hereinafter 'Astroscale'), which works on on-orbit services including space debris removal aiming for a sustainable space environment, and Exotrail, which designs, manufactures, and operates multi-orbit and multi-mission satellites in France, have signed a contract to develop a satellite de-orbiting mission, advancing Japan-France cooperation toward space sustainability.
In this initiative, Japan's proven track record in on-orbit services and France's specialized expertise will be brought together to develop technologies by 2030 to safely remove end-of-life satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Building upon their existing collaborative relationship, the two companies will combine technologies for maneuverability in space, RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), and end-of-life disposal.
Furthermore, the signing of this agreement coincided with the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Astroscale's headquarters in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. This visit demonstrated the role international private companies play in on-orbit services and served as a symbol of cooperation contributing to the strengthening of each country's space capabilities.
**Comment from President Emmanuel Macron**
'This agreement between Astroscale France and Exotrail shows that France and Japan can leverage their respective industrial and technological strengths to support innovation in the space sector. Through cooperation, both countries will work together to advance the development of on-orbit services that underpin the space economy of the 21st century.'
**Comment from Philippe Blatt, Managing Director of Astroscale France**
'This agreement demonstrates that cross-border public-private partnerships can produce the solutions necessary to manage space safely and sustainably. Cooperation between industries and nations is essential to build a viable and scalable on-orbit servicing industry.'
During the visit, Astroscale provided an overview of upcoming missions and explained the RPO and observation technologies it has demonstrated in orbit to date. Additionally, views were exchanged on business expansion in France based in Paris and Toulouse, as well as expansion plans to support space policies and industrial strategies in France and Europe, including the 'France 2030' national investment plan. By rooting on-orbit servicing capabilities within France, this agreement with Exotrail is expected to contribute to the acceleration of strategic technologies, the strengthening of France's industrial base, and the building of a European ecosystem in on-orbit services and debris mitigation.
In this initiative, Japan's proven track record in on-orbit services and France's specialized expertise will be brought together to develop technologies by 2030 to safely remove end-of-life satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Building upon their existing collaborative relationship, the two companies will combine technologies for maneuverability in space, RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), and end-of-life disposal.
Furthermore, the signing of this agreement coincided with the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Astroscale's headquarters in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. This visit demonstrated the role international private companies play in on-orbit services and served as a symbol of cooperation contributing to the strengthening of each country's space capabilities.
**Comment from President Emmanuel Macron**
'This agreement between Astroscale France and Exotrail shows that France and Japan can leverage their respective industrial and technological strengths to support innovation in the space sector. Through cooperation, both countries will work together to advance the development of on-orbit services that underpin the space economy of the 21st century.'
**Comment from Philippe Blatt, Managing Director of Astroscale France**
'This agreement demonstrates that cross-border public-private partnerships can produce the solutions necessary to manage space safely and sustainably. Cooperation between industries and nations is essential to build a viable and scalable on-orbit servicing industry.'
During the visit, Astroscale provided an overview of upcoming missions and explained the RPO and observation technologies it has demonstrated in orbit to date. Additionally, views were exchanged on business expansion in France based in Paris and Toulouse, as well as expansion plans to support space policies and industrial strategies in France and Europe, including the 'France 2030' national investment plan. By rooting on-orbit servicing capabilities within France, this agreement with Exotrail is expected to contribute to the acceleration of strategic technologies, the strengthening of France's industrial base, and the building of a European ecosystem in on-orbit services and debris mitigation.