Barum & Dewar is delighted to announce that it will be working together with new client Astroscale to support its ELSA-M mission, which is set to launch at the end of 2024.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the leading company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Astroscale is developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the growing and hazardous build-up of debris in space.

The ELSA-M mission is part of the European Space Agency’s Sunrise Programme and is a partnership with the UK Space Agency and commercial satellite operator OneWeb. The mission is designed to develop a servicer spacecraft that will be capable of capturing and de-orbiting multiple satellites in a single full-service commercial mission.

Astroscale reached out to Barum & Dewar to design, develop, manufacture, test and deliver a suitable transit and storage container for the ELSA-M servicer.

The container is required to safely transport the ELSA-M spacecraft both domestically and internationally providing a secure, clean, and dry environment. In addition, the containers will need to protect the payload from shock, vibration and ground handling movements whilst providing safe working load practices.

With over 20 years’ experience in the Space sector, Barum & Dewar is able to provide clients such as Astroscale with a high degree of confidence and proven heritage. As a recognised and trusted supplier to many of the key players in the space sector, Barum & Dewar has the credentials to contribute and suggest features and recommended approaches to container design.

Simon Prasad, AIV Group Manager at Astroscale, said of the contract agreement,

"Having successfully utilised Barum & Dewar's transport solutions in the past, they were my first choice for Astroscale UK's ELSA-M. Working together with Barum & Dewar's excellent design team, we have a solution that is now in manufacture, targeting delivery to Astroscale UK's new cleanroom facility at the end of this year. I am looking forward to working with Barum & Dewar as we progress to the flight spacecraft."

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