Astroscale and Exotrail Advance Japan-France Cooperation for Space Sustainability

Astroscale France SAS, the French subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (Astroscale), a company working on orbital services including space debris removal for a sustainable space environment, and Exotrail, a French company involved in the design, manufacturing, and operation of multi-orbit, multi-mission satellites, have signed a contract to develop a satellite deorbiting mission, thereby advancing Japan-France cooperation for space sustainability.

（Photo Credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office）

（Photo Credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office）

This initiative will combine Japan's track record in orbital services with France's specialized expertise to develop technology for safely removing end-of-life satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2030. Building on their existing collaborative relationship, the two companies will integrate technologies related to space maneuverability, RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), and end-of-life disposal.

The signing of this contract also coincided with an official visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Astroscale's headquarters in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. This visit served as a symbol of cooperation contributing to the enhancement of each nation's space capabilities, as well as demonstrating the role of international private companies in orbital services.

**Comment from French President Emmanuel Macron** "This contract between Astroscale France and Exotrail demonstrates that France and Japan can leverage their respective industrial and technological strengths to support innovation in the space sector. Through cooperation, the two countries will jointly advance the development of orbital services that underpin the 21st-century space economy."

**Comment from Philippe Broutin, Managing Director of Astroscale France** "This contract demonstrates that cross-border public-private partnerships can generate the necessary solutions for managing space safely and sustainably. Cooperation between industry and nations is essential to build a viable and scalable orbital services industry."

During the visit, Astroscale provided an overview of its upcoming missions and explained the RPO and observation technologies it has demonstrated in orbit. Discussions were also held regarding Astroscale's business expansion in France, with bases in Paris and Toulouse, and its plans to support French and European space policies and industrial strategies, including the national investment plan "France 2030." By embedding orbital service capabilities within France, this contract with Exotrail is expected to accelerate strategic technologies, strengthen France's industrial base, and contribute to building a European ecosystem for orbital services and debris mitigation.

**Comment from Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail** "This partnership is based on Astroscale's technology and know-how in both Japan and France, and it is a renewed demonstration of government support for Exotrail through 'France 2030.' We are delighted to collaborate with Astroscale and aim to further enhance our capabilities to meet the needs of commercial operators, as well as to contribute to strategic initiatives related to national sovereignty."

Astroscale's expansion in France signifies the company's strong commitment to providing innovative and scalable orbital service solutions that support the safe and sustainable development of space. With bases in Japan, the UK, the US, France, and Israel, Astroscale connects national efforts to unlock the potential of a circular space economy while contributing to the safety and resilience of space infrastructure.

**About Astroscale** Astroscale is a global leader in orbital services, dedicated to ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space. The company offers a diverse range of innovative orbital service solutions, including observation and inspection of defunct satellites and space debris, satellite life extension, repair and upgrades, removal of debris for deorbiting, and the removal of existing debris. Since March 2021, Astroscale has demonstrated its RPO technologies in orbit through missions such as ELSA-d and ADRAS-J, establishing its position as a leader in orbital services. Astroscale's spacecraft have been adopted for pioneering missions with organizations including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Ministry of Defense, the US Space Force, the European Space Agency (ESA), the UK Space Agency (UKSA), and Eutelsat OneWeb, expanding the potential of a circular space economy and paving the way for a more sustainable future in space. With its headquarters and R&D base in Japan, Astroscale operates globally with bases in the UK, the US, France, and Israel. Astroscale Website: https://astroscale.com/ja/

Keywords: Space, France, Space Debris, Debris, Orbital Services