Artificial satellites may be protected by special "bodyguards" in orbit
Japan's Astroscale company has proposed creating a constellation of spacecraft to protect critical satellites from dangerous approaches and potential attacks. For this purpose, technologies for removing orbital debris and servicing satellites can be utilized.
Satellites may be guarded in orbit by special "bodyguards"
Alex Godfrey, head of defense projects at Astroscale, said the company could have a "bodyguard" satellite ready for launch in less than three years.
The core of this idea relies on the experience the company has gained in approaching and operating near objects in orbit. In 2024, as part of the ADRAS-J mission, Astroscale inspected a spent stage of a Japanese rocket up close directly in orbit. The spacecraft operated in low Earth orbit.
In the ELSA-d mission, which lasted from 2021 to 2024, the company demonstrated space object capture technology as part of a commercial project. Now, it is proposed to adapt these capabilities to protect other satellites.
As Godfrey explained, in-orbit servicing spacecraft must possess very high maneuverability. For example, to refuel a satellite or remove a defunct object from orbit, it is necessary to approach it close enough to dock directly.
The company representative noted that these precise maneuvering capabilities could also come in handy for guarding critical objects in orbit.
The proposal comes at a time of growing concerns over spacecraft security. According to Space.com, a Russian satellite performed maneuvers near a surface-monitoring radar satellite belonging to ICEYE. This situation raised concerns about potential damage to the satellite.
The task of the "bodyguard" satellite would be to prevent foreign spacecraft from approaching the protected object to a dangerous distance.
Godfrey compared this idea to an aircraft carrier protection system. According to him, an aircraft carrier does not go to sea alone—it is escorted and protected by smaller and cheaper warships. In orbit as well, expensive satellites could be guarded by relatively compact spacecraft.
The company representative stated that creating such a defense spacecraft is well within the technical and financial capabilities of an individual country, such as the United Kingdom.
At the same time, he proposed creating a pan-European fleet of "bodyguard" satellites. Such spacecraft could patrol areas where critical space assets are located, jointly protecting the satellites of several allied nations.