ELSA-M Space Junk Collector Targets 2026 Launch

  • Astroscale secures funding for ELSA-M mission in 2026
  • ELSA-M aims to remove OneWeb satellite from orbit
  • Funding provided by European Space Agency and UK Space Agency
  • ELSA-M will weigh about 600 kg with enough fuel for three or four deorbits
  • Satellite operators encouraged to install docking plates on spacecraft
  • Astroscale estimates space debris removal market worth billions in next decade

Space sustainability company Astroscale has secured funding for its ELSA-M demonstration mission, aiming to remove dead or failed satellites from orbit. The mission will attempt to deorbit a OneWeb telecommunication satellite in 2027 and is expected to weigh about 600 kg with enough fuel for three or four deorbits. Astroscale encourages satellite manufacturers worldwide to install docking plates on their spacecraft for compatibility with the junk collector. The company estimates the space debris removal market could be worth billions in the next decade.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Astroscale’s ELSA-M mission, its funding, objectives, and the company’s plans for future services. It also includes relevant background information and quotes from a representative of the company. The article is free of exaggeration or sensationalism, and there are no signs of personal perspective being presented as fact.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Astroscale’s ELSA-M mission and its goals in removing dead or failed satellites from orbit. It also mentions related missions by the company and potential market value. However, it could benefit from more analysis of the broader implications of space debris and the need for sustainable practices in the industry.
Public Companies: Eutelsat (ETL), OneWeb (ONEWEB)
Private Companies: Astroscale
Key People: Nick Shave (Managing Director of Astroscale UK)

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Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Space sustainability and space debris removal services
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Astroscale securing funding for its ELSA-M mission, which aims to remove dead or failed satellites from orbit. This has financial relevance as it pertains to the space industry and could potentially impact companies involved in satellite operations and space debris removal services.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The content discusses space sustainability efforts and a company’s plan to remove dead or failed satellites from orbit, which could have minor impact on reducing orbital clutter.

Reported publicly: www.space.com