Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)

Astroscale is one of a handful of commercial companies in the world to have proven Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) capabilities in orbit. RPOD is critical for a secure and sustainable future in space, because without RPOD there is no on-orbit servicing.

Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) is the foundation that makes it possible for one spacecraft to safely approach, inspect, interact with, and ultimately service or remove another satellite in space. Whether the mission involves refueling, life extension or end-of-life removal, RPOD is what makes these services possible.

Operating safely near another object in space is one of the most technically difficult challenges in the industry. Clients may be non-communicative or tumbling. Conditions change in seconds. There is no margin for error. Solving this reliably and repeatedly is what separates proven capability from promise.

Beyond powering individual missions, RPOD is the enabling technology behind a fundamental shift in how we use space. Satellites will no longer be single-use assets. They will be maintained, upgraded, repositioned and retired through routine on-orbit servicing. Astroscale is building the infrastructure to make that future possible.