IRUS In-Orbit Refurbishment Service
Astroscale U.S.
ESA and BAE Systems-contracted mission concept enabling satellites to receive hardware upgrades, repairs, and component replacements while in orbit, targeting an In-Orbit Demonstration by 2030.
Technical specifications
- Mission Status
- Under development (IOD mission targeted by 2030)
- Customer
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- ESA Contract Value
- EUR 399,000 for Phase A
- Industry Partner
- BAE Systems
- Key Technology
- RPO + robotic arm for component replacement/upgrade
- Long-Term Goal
- Routine in-orbit refurbishment standard by 2040
- IOD Target Date
- 2030
About
IRUS (In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service) is Astroscale’s most ambitious on-orbit servicing concept, addressing hardware degradation and technology obsolescence in space. Funded by an ESA Phase A contract (EUR 399,000) and developed with BAE Systems, IRUS envisions a servicer that can physically access a client satellite’s interior and perform component replacements using a robotic arm.
The mission’s primary demonstration will show how upgrades can be performed on a BAE Systems modular satellite platform in space, reducing the need for replacement launches and enabling operators to continuously improve assets over an extended operational life. IRUS targets an IOD mission by 2030 and has developed a long-term roadmap toward making in-orbit refurbishment the norm by 2040.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
