# Astroscale

**Type:** Company  
**Domain:** space-development  
**Status:** Active  
**Founded:** Japan  
**Focus:** Active debris removal (ADR) and orbital servicing

## Overview

Astroscale is a Japanese company focused on active debris removal and on-orbit servicing. It is the most mission-active dedicated ADR company globally as of 2026.

## Key Developments

- **Total Funding:** $384M raised
- **ELSA-d Mission** — Completed docking demonstration mission
- **ADRAS-J Mission** — Completed proximity inspection phase
- **2026** — Multiple subsequent missions under contract
- **2026** — Competing with ClearSpace for UK Space Agency contract to remove two defunct satellites

## Strategic Position

Astroscale is the most operationally advanced dedicated ADR company, having completed multiple demonstration missions (ELSA-d for docking, ADRAS-J for proximity inspection). With $384M in total funding, it has raised significantly more capital than competitors. The company's multiple missions under contract indicate a transition from technology demonstration to operational service provision.

## Market Context

The ADR market is projected to grow from $1.2B in 2025 to $5.8B by 2034 (19.2% CAGR). Astroscale and ClearSpace are the two leading dedicated ADR companies, but combined industry capacity remains far below the ~60 large objects per year removal rate needed to achieve negative debris growth in LEO.