Astroscale docking plate. Photo: Astroscale

Satellite manufacturer Astro Digital will incorporate Astroscale’s Docking Plate into its modular satellite bus line for future end-of-life servicing. The companies announced July 24 that Astro Digital is set to receive its first Astroscale Docking Plate later this year, with launch expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

Installing the Docking Plate on a spacecraft means that on-orbit servicers like Astroscale’s ELSA-M can dock with the client satellite for relocation or removal in the future. Both companies say this is a move to ensure sustainable on-orbit practices. 

“We see space debris mitigation as a crucial activity for sustainable space, and we recognize that Astro Digital has a role to play. Incorporating Astroscale’s Docking Plate into our satellite bus design supports our goals of being responsible operators. The simple and compatible design allows easy integration, making it straightforward for us to enable our customers to keep space sustainability alongside their day-to-day operations,” commented Chris Biddy, co-founder and CEO of Astro Digital. 

Astro Digital provides end-to-end mission support including satellite buses and global ground support. Earlier this year it signed a deal with EchoStar to manufacture 28 small satellites for the company for a global S-band constellation.