Astroscale is preparing for the launch of its end-of-life services demonstration, ELSA-d, to launch in March 2021. Astroscale announced Wednesday the mission will launch on a Soyuz rocket operated by GK Launch Services from Baikonur Cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan.  ELSA-d will demonstrate the technical capabilities needed for orbital debris removal. A “servicer” satellite and a “target”…

NASA has formally commented (PDF) on a request by a U.S. company to build a mega-constellation of satellites at an altitude of 720 km above the Earth's surface, citing concerns about collisions. This appears to be the first time that NASA has publicly commented on such an application for market access, which is pending before the…

A report this month by a panel of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) advises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Space Commerce (OSC) in the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to ramp up efforts to ensure unimpeded satellite orbits. The panel’s chairman, Michael Dominguez, a former senior official with U.S. Department…

Exotrail has raised $13 million (11 million euros) for on-orbit transportation for small satellites. This Series A round was led by two European Venture Capital firms, Karista (through Paris Region Venture Fund) and Innovacom. IXO Private Equity, NCI-Waterstart, Turenne Capital, and returning investors 360 Capital, Irdi Soridec Gestion, and Bpifrance also invested. This round aims…