Astroscale Holdings expects satellite orders to increase under new space-defense guidelines issued by the U.K. and Japanese defense ministries.
The new guidelines by U.K. and Japan, announced in June and July, respectively, could generate "up to double-digit satellite orders,” signaling a stronger pipeline, Chief Financial Officer Nobuhiro Matsuyama said in an interview.
The moves are fueling global momentum around space security, Astroscale said in a statement. They call for stronger Space Domain Awareness — a capability the company provides — and strengthen policies supporting private-sector investment in space technologies.
Revenue from "defense in particular looks poised to expand significantly,” Matsuyama said.
The Tokyo-based company forecasts defense-related revenue from the U.K., U.S. and Japan to grow this fiscal year, alongside government missions with the U.K., Japan and the European Space Agency.
Astroscale posted record quarterly revenue in the first quarter, with defense contracts accounting for 30% of the total. Its largest deals include a $41 million APS-R refueling mission with the U.S. Space Force and a ¥6.6 billion ($44.6 million) project with Japan’s defense ministry, Matsuyama said.
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