The Japanese Ministry of Defence wants to extend the life of its satellites. The ministry explores sophisticated technologies that will extend satellites' lives already in orbit and demand help from private company Astroscale.
Astroscale Holdings Inc. is a private orbital debris removal company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is developing satellite end-of-life and active debris removal services to mitigate debris' growing and hazardous build-up in space.
The company substantially merged with Effective Space Solutions in Israel in June 2020. It has now moved into geostationary satellite life extensions.
According to Shephard Media, the Japanese MoD contracted Astroscale to research technology relating to the extension of satellites' lives, including fuel replenishment and other consumables, repairing damaged parts and detailed inspections.
Japan will launch its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite in 2026 to monitor space debris and killer satellites that are difficult to monitor by ground-based radar.
The Japan Air Self-Defence Force established a Space Operation Squadron in May 2020.
