Mr. Maezawa also invested about 3 billion yen. “Space debris removal” Astroscale raises about 10.1 billion yen in funding

On February 27, Astroscale, a space venture that is working on technology development such as the removal of space debris (space debris) that exists in outer space, announced that Mitsubishi Electric, Yusaku Maezawa, a businessman, and Mitsubishi UFJ, through a third-party allotment of shares. It announced that it has raised a total of approximately 10.1 billion yen from banks, Mitsubishi Corporation, the Development Bank of Japan, and FEL. Of this amount, about 3.3 billion yen was procured from Mitsubishi Electric and about 3 billion yen from Mr. Maezawa.

This is the total amount raised by AstroscaleAbout 43.5 billion yen.

In a press release, the company

“The fact that we were able to carry out this procurement in the face of extremely severe global economic conditions demonstrates the need for on-orbit services for the sustainable use of space and the strong confidence of investors as the market leader in Astroscale. ”

and high expectations.

The background is “growing sense of crisis about the debris problem”

As the space industry continues to revitalize, opportunities to use artificial satellites are increasing. However, the operational period of the satellite is finite, and after a certain period of time, it is destined to enter the atmosphere and burn up. At this time, there is a possibility that unburned garbage may be generated due to some problem. There is a risk that this will become “space junk” (space debris) that continues to float in outer space, interfering with other satellites and future human space activities.

Founded in 2013, Astroscale is a space venture known as a global pioneer, especially in the development of this space debris collection and removal service.

A spokesperson for the company told Business Insider Japan,

“As a background to the fact that attention has been focused on our company,Growing sense of crisis about the debris problem and recognition of the importance of space sustainabilityI think there is While there is an urgent need to resolve this issue, we have successfully demonstrated a series of elemental technologies necessary for debris removal on the ELSA-d mission (Debris Removal Technology Demonstration Satellite).”

replied.

Regarding the development status of debris removal technology, in addition to the series of technical demonstrations by the ELSA-d mission mentioned above,

“We are proceeding with the development and testing of the commercial debris removal demonstration satellite ADRAS-J, and as part of JAXA’s commercial debris removal demonstration (CRD2) Phase I, we will demonstrate approach and proximity operations to the upper stages of Japanese rockets, which are non-cooperative objects.We plan to image the movement, damage, and deterioration of debris that has been left unattended for a long period of time.is. In addition, we are simultaneously proceeding with development at our overseas bases.”

Also answered.

Astroscale aims not only to collect and remove space debris, but also to realize various services for satellites in space, such as fuel supply to satellites in space, observation and inspection of malfunctioning aircraft, etc. technology development.

Regarding the use of the funds raised this time,

“Our medium-term goal is to make on-orbit services a daily activity by 2030. This will help us improve our supply capacity in line with the increase in demand.”

and

Mr. Maezawa also made the following comments regarding the investment in Astroscale.

“As a person who has actually stayed in space, I am very concerned about the problem of space debris,” he said. It is expected that similar manned space exploration will become more and more active.Amid such circumstances, I was very impressed by the activities of Astroscale, which is working on debris removal, and decided to support it this time. bottom”