Samtel Avionics and Japan's BULL Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of combining passive post-mission disposal technologies with active space debris removal systems, against the backdrop of the continued growth in the number of objects in Earth's orbit.
Although this agreement is research-oriented and not a commitment to a commercial product, it indicates a broader shift in the space industry towards addressing the debris problem both before and after satellite operations are completed.
The problem is becoming increasingly serious. The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates that approximately 40,000 objects are currently tracked in Earth's orbit, including about 11,000 active payloads. The total number of debris larger than 1 cm is estimated to be over 1.2 million. At orbital velocities, even relatively small fragments can damage or destroy spacecraft. ESA has warned that active debris removal must be combined with efforts to prevent the creation of new debris.
The proposed combination from Samtel and BULL aims to address two different aspects of this problem. BULL develops Passive Mission Disposal (PMD) systems that help spacecraft leave orbit after their service life ends. Essentially, PMD prevents a functioning satellite or rocket-related object from turning into long-term debris. Active debris removal, conversely, involves bringing a separate spacecraft close to an object that can no longer dispose of itself and assisting in its removal from orbit.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the companies will study technical requirements, system interfaces, customization capabilities, and potential integration. They may also assess the possibility of attaching BULL's passive PMD device to existing orbital debris using Samtel's debris removal vehicles. Any such activity will depend on individual agreements, as well as technical, export control, and regulatory requirements.
Punit Kaura, Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics, stated: 'Space debris represents a growing challenge to the sustainable development of the global space economy. Through our collaboration with BULL, we aim to explore innovative and scalable solutions that combine BULL's passive PMD technologies with Samtel's capabilities in satellite systems and debris removal concepts.'
The timing of this agreement is significant for both countries. India announced its Clean Space Mission in 2024 with the goal of achieving debris-free missions by the Government of India and private space actors by 2030. ISRO is also expanding its network for tracking and analyzing space objects, known as NETRA, to improve monitoring of satellites and debris.
Japan is also engaged in practical debris removal demonstrations. JAXA's commercial debris removal program utilizes private companies to develop technologies for removing large Japanese debris. Astroscale's ADRAS-J completed its first phase in 2025 after demonstrating close-proximity operations, including approaching a rocket body at a distance of about 15 meters. The next ADRAS-J2 mission is planned to attempt capturing and removing the same object, with a launch scheduled for the 2027 fiscal year.
BULL's development has also gone beyond the laboratory. The company, founded in 2022, was selected for the Japan J-Startup program in 2025 and included by JAXA as a partner startup specializing in PMD technologies. According to a statement, its first orbital PMD demonstration began aboard Japan's H3-6 launch vehicle in June 2026 and was declared successful in July.
For Samtel, this agreement also aligns with its broader transition from traditional defense avionics to space and satellite technologies. Its history includes a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, established in 2006 to manufacture domestic defense avionics, while the company has stated that it is now expanding into satellite capabilities and other advanced aerospace systems.