Adversaries like Russia and China are increasing their. As the U.S. looks to counter these threats, it’s turning to the private sector for assistance.
Astroscale is working on a device that would clean up space junk. It is designed to latch onto defunct satellites and drag them toward earth’s atmosphere for disposal. Astroscale’s latest project is cleaning up the area around the Hubble Telescope. The developers are partnering with Momentus, a company that focuses on in-space infrastructure services including. They plan to relocate the Hubble and remove any debris within the telescope’s orbit.
Experts and private companies agree that leaving U.S. space assets unprotected, poses a national security issue. Space debris is also making it harder to send new satellites into orbit and is creating fewer launch windows. True Anomaly is a private company working on technology to defend against anti-satellite attacks. Its Jackal Autonomous Orbital Vehicle can maneuver in space and track down aggressors.
The Jackal can also conduct surveillance and take images of bad actors. It is designed to better hold adversaries accountable for efforts to disrupt peaceful space.Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-16 mission from left, Gui Haichao, Jing Haipeng and Zhu Yangzhu are seen behind glass during a meeting of the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Monday, May 29, 2023.