Astroscale and Exotrail advance France-Japan cooperation on space sustainability
- Satellite Evolution Group
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Astroscale France SAS and Exotrail have signed a contract to develop a satellite deorbiting mission, marking a major advancement in France-Japan cooperation on space sustainability.
This contract brings together Japanese and French expertise in on-orbit servicing to develop a capability for safely removing satellites from low Earth orbit by 2030. It builds on the companies’ existing partnership and frames their collaboration across in-space mobility, rendezvous and proximity operations and end-of-life technologies.
The signing took place during a high-level visit to Astroscale’s headquarters in Tokyo by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The visit highlights the role of international commercial companies in addressing on-orbit servicing needs while strengthening national capabilities.
“This agreement between Astroscale France and Exotrail demonstrates the capacity of France and Japan to leverage their respective industrial and technological expertise in support of space innovation,” said President Macron. “Together, we are advancing the development of orbital services that will underpin the space economy of the 21st century.”
“This contract demonstrates how commercial and government collaboration across borders can deliver the solutions needed to manage space safely and sustainably,” said Philippe Blatt, Managing Director of Astroscale France. “Collaboration across industry and nations is essential to build a viable and scalable on-orbit servicing sector for all.”
During the visit, the leaders were briefed on Astroscale’s upcoming missions and its proven capabilities in rendezvous and proximity operations and inspection. Discussions also covered the company’s investment in France, operations in Paris and Toulouse, and ongoing expansion to support national and European space priorities — notably through the France 2030 investment plan. By anchoring on-orbit servicing capabilities domestically, the contract with Exotrail will accelerate strategic technologies, strengthen France’s industrial base and contribute to the development of a European ecosystem for satellite servicing and debris mitigation.
“Our relationship builds on Astroscale’s competences across Japan and France, and reaffirms the French Government support for Exotrail through France 2030,” said Jean-Luc Maria, CEO and cofounder of Exotrail. “We are delighted to team up with Astroscale to further enhance capabilities addressing both the commercial needs of operators, as well as strategic and sovereign endeavors.”