Japanese company Astroscale signs agreement for PSLV launch in 2027

Tokyo-based Astroscale Japan has signed an agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO towards launching its In-situ Space Situational Awareness Japan 1 (ISSA-J1) mission on board a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota, in 2027. Astroscale is works with on-orbit servicing of satellites and is a leader in long-term orbital sustainability. The PSLV is ISRO's workhorse rocket with a nearly flawless flight history. The development of the ISSA-J1 mission is being sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, as part of a programme designed to promote research and development by Japanese startups working with innovative technologies. 

The ISSA-J1 mission builds on Astroscale's experience with rendezvous and proximity operations, and the capabilities for inspecting and characterising objects in space debris. The mission will diagnose and evaluate two large satellite debris in orbit. The mission is in the final stages of the design, with the flight components in the process of manufacturing, and operational planning underway. The assembly and testing of the satellite are expected to commence in the next few months, leading up to the 2027 launch. For Astroscale, the agreement is a strategic step in advancing the business in the Indian market. Astroscale has also signed MoUs with two Indian New Space Startups, Bellatrix and Digantara to jointly explore and develop the market. 

Managing Director of Astroscale Japan, Eddie Kato said, "We selected NSIL after thorough evaluations of more than ten launch service providers over the past year, considering technical capabilities, track record cost and other elements. NSIL serves as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Government of India for space-related business activities, and the PSLV is one of the world’s leading rockets for low Earth orbit, demonstrating approximately 60 successful launches. This marks the first time a Japanese entity has procured a dedicated PSLV launch.” During the India-Japan Economic Forum at the end of August, Astroscale introduced the initiative of working with private Indian startups to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.