Rendering of Astroscale’s ELSA-M mission. Photo: Astroscale

Wind River and Astroscale have announced a collaboration that sees Wind River’s VxWorks Real Time Operating System (RTOS) being used on an On-Board Computer (OBC) to command Astroscale’s ELSA-M Servicer spacecraft. The two companies announced the collaboration, July 19.

The OBC will support the rendezvous between Astroscale’s servicer spacecraft and the client satellite. Astroscale’s software applications on VxWorks are responsible for the computer vision processing for the computer system that will command ELSA-M. A high level of precision is needed for robotic operations, including maneuvers during rendezvous between the ELSA-M servicer and retired satellites.

Astroscale is looking to develop solutions to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the growing and hazardous buildup of debris in space. Astroscale’s End-of-Life service line provides a space debris solution to safely and responsibly capture and retire multiple satellites in one mission. An in-orbit demonstration mission to capture an inactive satellite is anticipated to launch in 2025. This will be one of the first times a commercial active debris removal satellite will complete the end-to-end operations of a removal service with a full-sized and fully representative client satellite.

“Astroscale is addressing the hazardous matter of space debris, and we’re proud to help them advance their mission to develop sustainable space programs. Our industry-leading technology demonstrates the continuing Wind River leadership in real-time software solutions for mission-critical systems. For decades, Wind River has successfully supported complex space missions and helped customers navigate the unique challenges of these programs,” Avijit Sinha, chief product officer of Wind River, said in a statement.