Astroscale’s ELSA-d spacecraft. Photo: Astroscale

Astroscale is moving forward with its ELSA-d mission as it is working through solutions to a spacecraft anomaly. The company said in an update on Feb. 17 that it is maneuvering the servicer spacecraft into a position closer to the client and continuing its mission. 

ELSA-d — Astroscale’s End-of-Life Services demonstration mission — is tasked with proving out the technologies involved with debris docking and removal. The spacecraft successfully demonstrated its ability to capture a client spacecraft during the magnetic capture test in August, but Astroscale detected an anomaly in January, pausing the mission before it could complete its next demonstration. 

Astroscale has not provided specifics on the anomaly, but said in the update the company made “good progress in working through solutions.” 

“The safety of ELSA-d, and of the orbital environment, remains our top priority. Both spacecraft are under control and being continually monitored, we are keeping regulators and key partners updated on our status, and we are moving forward with confidence,” Astroscale said in a statement.