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Space Junk targeted: IDRS to help enable communications for Astroscale’s ELSA-M debris removal mission
December 05, 2022
Astroscale Limited, the UK and European subsidiary of the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability Astroscale Holdings., and the communication specialists Addvalue are delighted to announce the signing of a contract for the delivery of IDRS™ technology via Inmarsat geostationary satellites for Astroscale's forthcoming End-of-Life Services by Astroscale (ELSA-M) debris satellite capture mission. With Low Earth Orbits increasingly congested, the ELSA-M in-orbit demonstration is planned to launch towards the end of 2024, with ambitious plans to deliver a commercial debris removal or End of Life service to satellite operators thereafter. Astroscale’s mission is to help safeguard the vital space-enabled services including weather forecasting, disaster management, satellite navigation, data for banking systems and communication services on which so many countries and companies now depend.
IDRS™ will play a crucial role in Astroscale's innovative offer by providing continuous real-time connectivity during proximity maneuvering to capture the Client satellite and ready it for de-orbiting. The contract between Astroscale and Addvalue covers the supply of IDRS™ space terminal equipment for this first mission and will be followed by a Service Agreement in support.
The game-changing IDRS™ solution makes this all possible by using the world’s only ‘Always-On’ on-demand, real-time connection for any LEO satellite. This enables access to 24/7 data communication services with LEO satellites across all orbital inclinations up to altitudes of 1,000 km. It also removes the need for waiting for a pass over a ground station to command and control the satellite during time sensitive operation such as maneuvering close to a debris satellite. This is achieved through connecting to the global Inmarsat ELERA constellation of GEO satellites and its BGAN ground infrastructure to deliver global coverage and connectivity in near real time.
Astroscale UK and Europe Managing Director Nick Shave, said, "This new agreement with Addvalue and Inmarsat for IDRS™ to support the ELSA-M mission reflects the same vision and ambition that so recently saw Astroscale win the 2022 'Sustainability in Space' award at the European Space Forum in Brussels. By capturing failed satellites in LEO and actively de-orbiting them, we can help eliminate dangerous orbiting debris and make our near-Earth environment safer and more secure for all."
Tan Khai Pang, Chief Executive Officer of Addvalue, commented, “We're honored to be working with Astroscale, a private company with a vision for the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of generations to come. We are gratified that IDRS will play an important role in helping Astroscale shape a more debris-free space future.”
”Space is everyone’s front yard and Inmarsat is committed to space sustainability for the good of the whole planet. This new partnership enables us to continue to contribute to it with Addvalue and Astroscale,” said Todd McDonell, President of Inmarsat Global Government. “Inmarsat’s ELERA geostationary satellites and global ground network – part of our developing ORCHESTRA network of networks – deliver reliable and robust connectivity for the essential missions of our customers and partners, including this innovative approach to safeguarding space for all.”
For more information about Addvalue IDRS™, please contact:
Yee Ping Tan
tel: +65 6509 5705
email: yeeping.tan@addvalue.com.sg
Visit:
For more information about Astroscale, please contact:
Visit:
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■ About Astroscale
Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the leading company dedicated to on-orbit servicing across all orbits.
Founded in 2013, Astroscale is developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, including life extension, in situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the growing and hazardous build-up of debris in space. Astroscale is also defining business cases and working with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives for the responsible use of space.
Learn more at https://astroscale.com/
■ About ADDVALUE INNOVATION
Addvalue Innovation Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of SGX Mainboard-listed Addvalue Technologies Ltd (A31), is a leading satellite-based communication solutions company. Addvalue provides state-of-the-art communication terminals for use in space, in the air, at sea and on the ground. The company also offers extensive engineering and integration services. Addvalue’s expertise extends far beyond where the world’s terrestrial networks end. Whatever the market or application, the company’s wide range of satellite-based products and services can offer the right technology to drive enhanced connectivity.
Learn more at www.addvaluetech.com
■ About INMARSAT
Inmarsat delivers world-leading, innovative, advanced and exceptionally reliable global, mobile communications across the world – in the air, at sea and on land - that are enabling a new generation of commercial, government and mission-critical services. Inmarsat is powering the digitalisation of the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and safer than ever before. It is driving a new era of inflight passenger services for aviation, while ensuring that aircraft can fly with maximum efficiency and safety .Plus, Inmarsat is enabling the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling the next wave of world-changing technologies that will underpin the connected society and help build a sustainable future. And now Inmarsat is developing the first-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional communications network of the future: ORCHESTRA.
In November 2021, Inmarsat and Viasat announced the planned combination of the two companies, to create a new leader in global communications.
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