Astroscale Plans Fleet of Bodyguard Satellites to Shield Against Orbital Threats
- Published
- Source
- SPACE.com
Astroscale has proposed the development of a fleet of bodyguard spacecraft aimed at protecting critical satellites from potential adversarial attacks. This initiative leverages technologies proven in their previous missions, such as the ADRAS-J mission, which successfully inspected a discarded Japanese rocket stage in low Earth orbit. With increasing threats from Russia, particularly highlighted by recent aggressive maneuvers around satellites, the need for enhanced space security has become urgent.
The significance of this proposal lies in its potential to safeguard vital space assets, especially as geopolitical tensions escalate. Astroscale's head of defense, Alex Godfrey, indicated that a bodyguard spacecraft could be ready for launch within three years, emphasizing the agility required for in-orbit servicing. The recent incident involving Russia's close approach to a satellite owned by ICEYE underscores the pressing need for protective measures in space, as such actions are viewed as threatening and indicative of on-orbit weapon operations.
Astroscale's vision includes a pan-European fleet of bodyguard satellites to monitor and protect European space assets from Russian interference. The estimated cost of such a mission would be manageable for individual countries, like the U.K., making it a feasible solution to enhance space security. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Astroscale proposes fleet of 'bodyguard' spacecraft to protect satellites from orbital attacks
SPACE.com · Tereza PultarovaThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
Rights concerns? Contact [email protected] with the relevant URL and details. We will review the matter and take appropriate action where warranted.
More related news
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
-
9
Suzy Teele’s Mission at ARM Institute RobotToday · 2 weeks ago
- 10
- 11
-
12
IROS 2026 Best Paper Finalists: South Korea Leads RobotToday · 3 weeks ago
Related Suppliers
Astroscale アストロスケール
Japan
On-orbit servicing company specializing in satellite life extension, active debris removal, and space situational awareness.
AI, Data and Robotics Association (Adra, asbl)
Belgium
European public-private partnership association driving AI, data, and robotics research and innovation under Horizon Europe.
ELSA Japan Inc.
Japan
Tokyo-based GPU and computing distributor that also serves as the Japanese distributor of DEEP Robotics quadruped robots and other robotics platforms.
The Boeing Company
United States
US aerospace & defense manufacturer using industrial robots for drilling, riveting, and composite assembly across 737, 777X, and 787 production lines.
Katalyst Space Technologies
United States
Flagstaff, Arizona space robotics firm building NEXUS, a robotic spacecraft with a patented Split Stewart Platform arm for satellite servicing.
Space Machines Company
Australia
Australian orbital transfer vehicle company providing in-space logistics and satellite servicing using the Optimus OTV, founded in Sydney in 2019.
Orbital Matter
Poland
Warsaw startup (est. 2022) whose UV-curing printers build rigid booms in orbit; its Replicator 2 CubeSat made what it calls the first open-space 3D print.
SyboTech
Russian Federation
Moscow-based robotics startup (est. 2013) developing RNS autonomous navigation software for service robots, AGVs, and educational platforms.
Ponsse
Finland
Finnish CTL forest machine manufacturer founded 1970 by Einari Vidgrén; listed Nasdaq Helsinki (PON1V); 2024 revenue EUR 750M; machines in 40+ countries.
Orbital Robotics
United States
Seattle-area startup (2024) building ORA-series AI-controlled space robotic arms plus NavIQ/ASTRA-P autonomy for capturing and servicing spacecraft.
Voyager Technologies
United States
Denver-based US defense and space company operating the ISS Bishop Airlock and developing the Starlab space station; formerly Voyager Space Holdings.
Obruta Space Solutions Corp.
Canada
Ottawa developer, founded 2019, of the RPOD Kit, an autonomous vision-based rendezvous, proximity operations and docking system for satellite servicing.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
