Astroscale Proposes Bodyguard Spacecraft Amid Rising Threats from Russian Satellites

• •Astroscale proposes bodyguard spacecraft for satellite protection against Russian threats.
• •Technologies from previous missions will be repurposed for defense applications.
• •Recent Russian maneuvers near Western satellites have heightened security concerns.

Astroscale, a Japanese space technology company, has proposed a fleet of robotic bodyguard spacecraft to protect satellites from potential attacks, particularly in light of concerning maneuvers by Russian satellites near Western assets. The company aims to adapt technologies developed for space debris removal and in-orbit servicing for defense purposes. Astroscale's head of defense, Alex Godfrey, indicated that a protective spacecraft could be ready for launch within three years. The proposal comes after a recent incident involving a Russian satellite's close approach to a Finnish Earth-observation satellite operated by ICEYE, raising alarms about unauthorized interference. Astroscale's previous missions, including ELSA-D and ADRAS-J, have demonstrated the necessary technologies for such operations. The growing geopolitical tensions in space, particularly involving Russia, have prompted increased focus on space security and control.