Astroscale US strengthens RPO Heritage with new autonomous capabilities

Astroscale US is advancing a new generation of Autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (ARPOD) technologies that will redefine how satellites are operated, serviced and supported in space. Building on an $8.7 million contract awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) this summer — and Astroscale’s heritage in successfully-proven RPO missions — the company is developing capabilities to improve mission flexibility, extend spacecraft lifetimes, and strengthen US space resilience. 

“With our proven RPO mission heritage as a foundation, Astroscale is driving the transition from manual to autonomous servicing, making satellites smarter and more capable,” said Wesley Norris, Vice President of Business Development for National Security at Astroscale US. “Our ARPOD technologies represent a pivotal shift in how satellites are refueled, repaired and recovered — enabling systems to make faster decisions, adapt in real time and operate with greater independence, freeing operators to focus on mission-critical priorities in an increasingly contested domain.” 

These ARPOD technologies will play an important role for the Astroscale US Refueler (APS-R), which will conduct two on-orbit refueling operations of a US Space Force satellite. Through a combination of simulations, robotic docking trials and laboratory testing, Astroscale US is working to reduce operational risk, enhance autonomy and validate performance. 

“I am proud to say that this effort builds on the foundation we established under our Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with AFRL, which served as a pathfinder for advancing ARPOD capabilities,” said Geoffrey Licciardello, ARPOD Program Manager at Astroscale US. “We’re excited to continue collaborating with AFRL as we advance technologies that maximize operational safety, bolster mission readiness and unlock future on-orbit servicing missions, including refueling, deorbiting and satellite recovery.” 

As the space domain grows more congested and operational timelines accelerate, Astroscale U.S. is pioneering technologies that enable spacecraft to think, react and operate with minimal reliance on continuous ground control. Through the AFRL award, Astroscale US is developing several critical advancements in modeling, sensing, communications and capture technologies. Work under the AFRL contract is performed at Astroscale US’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and AFRL’s test facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is expected to continue through March 2027.