Astroscale has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with High Earth Orbit Robotics Pty Ltd (“HEO”) intended to deepen an existing partnership to develop and deliver critical capabilities for monitoring, assessing and ultimately servicing allied defense, government and commercial assets.
Much like how traffic cameras and roadside assistance keep highways clear, Astroscale and HEO are building the tools to track, manage and service spacecraft in orbit, enhancing the resilience of satellites that underpin daily life on Earth, from GPS navigation and national defense operations to weather forecasting.
This new memorandum extends collaboration from low Earth orbit into geostationary and geostationary transfer orbits, where many defense and government satellites operate. Together, Astroscale and HEO aim to enhance the inspection and characterization of space objects, develop catalogs of candidate debris clients, and refine operational concepts to support safe and efficient on-orbit servicing missions for allied nations.
“Through this partnership, we are strengthening the connection between monitoring and managing orbital risks, advancing essential SDA capabilities, and supporting mission success across all orbits,” said Mike Lindsay, CTO at Astroscale. “A sustainable space ecosystem requires coordinated data and action, and we’re proud to deepen our collaboration with HEO to help make it a reality.”
Australian technology is at the core of this effort, powering satellite inspection solutions that contribute directly to allied SDA strategies. Astroscale and HEO are helping ensure secure operations of national security and commercial satellites across multiple orbits.
“We’ve been working closely with Astroscale over the past few years to identify how NEI capabilities can create a sustainable approach to solving difficult challenges in orbit,” said Hiranya Jayakody, Co-Founder & CTO of HEO. “Astroscale’s accomplishments in advancing orbital sustainability speak for themselves, and we’re excited to continue strengthening our partnership as we extend into new orbital regimes to support allied operations with frequent satellite monitoring and risk management capabilities.”
This agreement aligns with Astroscale’s broader defense and SDA portfolio, having recently been awarded a contract by Japan’s Ministry of Defense to develop a responsive space system demonstration satellite prototype.
Pictured: Chris Blackerby (L), COO of Astroscale and William Crowe (R), CEO of HEO
