EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Astroscale U.S., a provider of on-orbit servicing and space logistics, is expanding into the Texas space ecosystem by setting up to do business in El Paso and collaborating with the University of Texas at El Paso, the company announced on Thursday.

The move is supported through an economic development agreement approved by the El Paso City Council, aimed at growing the region’s aerospace and defense industry and advancing economic development opportunities.

Astroscale U.S. said it selected El Paso and UTEP because of their focus on growing the commercial space ecosystem through speed and innovation. The company plans to maintain a permanent employment presence and workspace at the City of El Paso’s Innovation Factory near the El Paso International Airport. Astroscale U.S. also plans to work closely with UTEP researchers and faculty.

Astroscale U.S. and the UTEP Aerospace Center have signed a contract under which UTEP can advance capabilities in flight dynamics, autonomy and space domain awareness, leveraging the center’s strengths in sensors, robotics, advanced manufacturing and spacecraft development. The partnership is intended to address on-orbit challenges tied to creating a safer and more resilient space environment and supporting the future of the Texas space economy, officials with Astroscale U.S. said.

As a member of the Texas Space Coalition’s Advisory Board, I have been looking for the right opportunity for Astroscale U.S. to engage with the exceptional resources available to businesses in Texas,” said Ron Lopez, president of Astroscale U.S. “UTEP and El Paso are a great match for Astroscale U.S. because of their leadership in space systems research and strong support for national security missions.

UTEP Aerospace Center Executive Director Shery Welsh said the university is eager to begin work with the company.

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“We are thrilled to partner with Astroscale U.S., a global leader in satellite servicing and on-orbit sustainability,” Welsh said. “We can’t wait to apply our aerospace engineering expertise and our state-of-the-art research facilities to solve critical on-orbit challenges in support of Astroscale U.S.’s mission.”

Mayor Renard U. Johnson called the project an example of the type of economic development the city is seeking.

This project reflects the type of targeted economic development we are working to attract — industries that bring high-skill jobs, strengthen our innovation ecosystem, and build on the investments we’ve made in advanced manufacturing,” Johnson said. “We’re proud to see Astroscale U.S. choose El Paso as part of its growth strategy.

Astroscale U.S. said doing business in El Paso will deepen its ties to Texas, where it already works with the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio on production of its Provisioner and LEXI-P satellite servicers. The company said its focus on U.S. suppliers and local partnerships is intended to ensure speed to contract and delivery for customers.

The company said it supports work with the U.S. government, including the United States Space Force and NASA, as well as commercial customers.

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