Docking Plate
Astroscale U.S.
A flight-proven, commercially available standardized docking interface that satellite operators install on their spacecraft to enable access to Astroscale's full suite of on-orbit servicing and end-of-life removal services.
Technical specifications
- Generation
- Second generation (flight-proven)
- Availability
- Off-the-shelf, commercially available
- Installation
- 3-bolt solution, assemblable from outside the spacecraft
- Capture Compatibility
- Magnetic and robotic grappling mechanisms
- Thermal Design
- De-coupled top plate and structural deck
- Flight Heritage
- Validated on ELSA-d mission (2021)
- Standards Compliance
- CONFERS, Space Safety Coalition, Space Sustainability Rating (SSR)
- Supply Chain
- Scalable for constellation-scale orders
About
The Astroscale Docking Plate is the key enabling hardware product at the heart of Astroscale’s orbital servicing ecosystem. It is a standardized satellite-mounted interface component that, once installed, grants a satellite access to Astroscale’s comprehensive portfolio of on-orbit services: life extension, inspection, relocation, and responsible end-of-life removal.
The second-generation Docking Plate is now available for purchase off-the-shelf, validated in flight during the ELSA-d mission in 2021. The design features a de-coupled top plate and structural deck to alleviate thermal stress, a knurled reinforced rim for magnetic and robotic grappling compatibility, and a simple three-bolt installation from the outside of the spacecraft — minimizing integration complexity.
The product meets international sustainability standards from CONFERS, the Space Safety Coalition, and the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) framework. A scalable supply chain supports volume procurement for constellation operators. As more satellites fly Docking Plates, the cost per removal or servicing event decreases.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
