Ibadan, 14 January 2026. – Astroscale Limited (“Astroscale UK”), a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has won a EUR 399,000 Phase A ESA contract to lead the design of the In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS), a pioneering mission concept that will enable upgrade, repair, and extension of satellites in orbit.
The eight-month Phase A study contract intends to develop the technical groundwork and commercial case for in-orbit refurbishment and upgrading services. The team will subsequently explore how robotic and servicing technologies can safely connect with and refurbish satellites already in orbit, assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of upgrading a satellite or extending its life by replacing degraded subsystems like batteries, solar panels and on-board computers.
With BAE Systems’ involvement as a future in-orbit servicing client, IRUS represents a major step towards a circular space economy that enables satellite in-orbit maintenance, repair and enhancement. This capability will consequently pave the way for more complex In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities – with refurbishment and upgrading being precursors to assembling and manufacturing platforms in space.
By enabling refurbishment and upgrades in orbit, IRUS will reduce the need for replacement launches and mitigate the risk of additional debris, a key priority for space safety. As a result, the initiative supports ESA’s Space Safety Program, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to reducing orbital risks and ensuring safe operations for future generations.
“By exploring how we can upgrade and enhance satellites in orbit, we are helping to shape a sustainable future for space – one that delivers long-term value for operators, governments, and society in general, explains Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK. “This study is an important milestone for Astroscale, our industrial partners, and for the UK’s growing strength in in-orbit servicing and dual-use technologies.”
IRUS builds on Astroscale’s proven Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) technology, demonstrating its continuous and repeatable use as the foundation for future in-orbit servicing missions. The first mission concept will thereby demonstrate the possibility of upgrades on a BAE Systems modular satellite platform in space, saving cost, reducing launch requirements, and improving resilience.
