Astroscale second generation docking plate gains flight heritage

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 04 February 2025 10:37

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London, UK (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

Astroscale Limited has reached a critical threshold with the first in-space deployment of its second-generation (Gen 2) docking plate. This hardware, now traveling aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 rideshare mission that launched on Jan 14, 2025, sets the stage for more robust satellite servicing capabilities. Integrated on an Astro Digital Corvus-XL bus, the Gen 2 docking plate showcases for

Astroscale second generation docking plate gains flight heritage
by Staff Writers
London, UK (SPX) Feb 04, 2025

Astroscale Limited has reached a critical threshold with the first in-space deployment of its second-generation (Gen 2) docking plate. This hardware, now traveling aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 rideshare mission that launched on Jan 14, 2025, sets the stage for more robust satellite servicing capabilities.

Integrated on an Astro Digital Corvus-XL bus, the Gen 2 docking plate showcases forward-thinking satellite design and underscores an industry-wide move toward stricter end-of-life and on-orbit servicing protocols. By adhering to internationally recommended practices, the docking plate paves the way for smoother future decommissioning and servicing operations.

Lightweight and streamlined for quick installation, the Gen 2 docking plate enables satellites to prepare for maintenance and disposal. It follows on the success of Astroscale's ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, building a proven track record in radiation, UV, vibration, and shock qualification testing. Through its advanced ferromagnetic technology, it ensures dependable capture during servicing across various satellite frameworks.

"This launch underscores the space industry's growing commitment to sustainable operations," said Nick Shave, Managing Director, Astroscale UK. "Our second-generation docking plate is a critical enabler for future-proofing satellites - paving the way for safe and efficient on-orbit servicing, ensuring the longevity of orbital assets, as well as disposal when required."

"The Astroscale docking plate was seamless to integrate and reinforces the industry's collective vision of sustainable space usage," noted Kunal Desai, Astro Digital Program Manager.

Astroscale aims to further its goal of promoting sustainable space initiatives with the Gen 2 docking plate operating on-orbit. By lending satellites a reliable mechanism for servicing and end-of-life removal, the company helps uphold an environment favorable to scientific discovery, international cooperation, and commercial activity.