Astroscale France and Exotrail Partner to Advance Satellite Deorbiting Capabilities in LEO

Strategic Alliance Formed for Space Sustainability

Astroscale France, a subsidiary of the Japan-based on-orbit servicing company Astroscale Holdings Inc., and French space mobility specialist Exotrail have officially announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing advanced deorbiting capabilities for satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The announcement, made on January 28, 2026, marks a significant step towards mitigating the growing issue of space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space operations.

The collaboration seeks to provide satellite operators with robust solutions for end-of-life management, with a primary objective to conduct a first demonstration mission before 2030 to prove a controlled and operational deorbiting capability.

Leveraging Complementary Expertise

The partnership will combine the distinct strengths of both companies. Exotrail will contribute its expertise as a manufacturer, integrator, and operator of high-mobility satellites, specifically leveraging its next-generation service vehicle, the spacevan™ RPO/D. This vehicle is designed for multi-orbit and multi-mission operations, offering propulsion-driven service capabilities.

Astroscale France will provide its heritage capture system technology and extensive experience in close-proximity operations (RPO). This includes proven docking mechanisms, advanced algorithms, mission preparation, and operational know-how derived from previous missions. Philippe Blatt, Managing Director of Astroscale France, stated, 'This partnership demonstrates how specialist servicing capabilities can be effectively integrated into prime-led missions to enable complex in-orbit operations.' He further added, 'By combining Exotrail's mission leadership on vehicles and maneuvers with Astroscale's proven capture and close-proximity operations expertise, we are helping to position France and Europe at the forefront of in-orbit servicing and build a credible, repeatable foundation for this capability in Europe.'

Addressing Orbital Congestion and European Priorities

The increasing congestion in LEO, critical for telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and defense applications, necessitates responsible management of satellite end-of-life and effective mitigation of orbital debris. This partnership is seen as a key milestone in the development of European end-of-life satellite management capabilities, laying the groundwork for a structured and shared roadmap that addresses both civilian and defense-related challenges.

Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail, emphasized the broader implications, stating, 'Controlled deorbiting and on-orbit rendezvous capabilities are now recognized as critical technological building blocks, for both civilian applications and the future of defense endeavors. By teaming with Astroscale to help secure essential space infrastructures, we add more capabilities to strengthen the resilience of European space architectures and preserve freedom of action in space.'

Government Support and Future Outlook

The initiative is aligned with French and European space priorities concerning sustainability, space operations safety, and technological sovereignty. An initial study phase for this partnership was led by Exotrail under a contract with CNES, as part of the French government's recovery fund, France 2030. While the mission itself awaits full government approval, with a selection decision anticipated by summer 2026, the long-term collaboration aims to develop European solutions based on rendezvous and docking technologies.