Astroscale U.S. Statement on the United States’ DA-ASAT Test Ban

From real-time navigation and climate science to improving natural disaster response efforts and discovering the secrets of the early universe, space systems underpin our way of life. Modern society needs a predictable, stable, and safe space environment. That’s our vision at Astroscale: the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations.

Yesterday’s announcement of the United States’ commitment to refrain from conducting destructive, debris-generating direct-ascent ASAT tests is a signal of U.S. leadership toward that vision. As we have stated previously, Astroscale believes that the intentional and unnecessary destruction of any object in space is irresponsible, and we stand in firm opposition to actions that intentionally generate long-lived orbital debris.

We therefore applaud the administration’s commitment to space safety and affirm Vice President Harris’ remarks that the promotion of contemporary norms of responsible space behavior is a vital element of proactive, robust governance to advance security and stability in space.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners across government, industry, academia, and civil society to promote best practices, preserve freedom of action in space, cultivate innovative services, and put to rest the era of humanity’s “throwaway culture” in space in favor of responsible, peaceful, and sustainable space operations.