Ibadan, 20 June 2023. – Astroscale Holdings Inc. has announced the opening of Astroscale France SAS (“Astroscale France”) and a contract with the French national space agency, Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales (CNES). The contract, which both parties will sign on June 20 at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, formalizes a partnership between Astroscale France and CNES. Furthermore, it includes a funded study for active debris removal of French space debris. In addition, both parties will determine the specific debris in early 2024.
“Astroscale’s expansion into France and partnership with CNES mark a major step toward realizing a safe and sustainable space environment and serve as a testament to France’s investment in space sustainability,” said Nobu Okada, the Company’s Founder, and CEO. “Combining Astroscale’s on-orbit servicing leadership with CNES’s esteemed space heritage strengthens France’s role as a global leader in sustainable space policy and innovative technology.”
Likewise, Philippe Baptiste, President of CNES, said, “This partnership aligns with our goals of ensuring long-term space sustainability and bolstering France’s leadership in the space sector. We are glad to fund this study and together will drive innovation, foster international cooperation, and actively contribute to the preservation of our space environment.”
Astroscale France is incorporated in Paris and will establish a location for larger facilities soon, along with naming a Managing Director and announcing other vital employees. Globally, the Company has expanded its workforce to meet customer demand and now has approximately 450 team members. Astroscale France is the latest addition to new facility openings and upgrades worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, and the company’s global headquarters in Tokyo.
