Astroscale U.S. Signs Agreement with DESE Research to Serve Huntsville Space Ecosystem
Pictured: Michael Kirkpatrick, CEO of DESE Research (left) and Ron Lopez, President of Astroscale U.S. (right).
Strategic presence bolsters American space infrastructure via two teams building novel solutions in a pivotal hub for U.S. space operations
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., December 9, 2025 – Astroscale U.S., a leading provider of on-orbit services and logistics across all orbits, is strengthening its commitment to American space superiority by growing its presence in Huntsville’s space ecosystem.
This week, Astroscale U.S. signed a Strategic Presence Statement — connected to a formal Facility Use Agreement — with DESE Research, a knowledge-based organization focused on research in Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. DESE has been a cornerstone of the Huntsville community for more than 40 years.
Leaders from the Astroscale U.S. team joined DESE in the shared office space in Huntsville for the signing ceremony and to celebrate being part of the Huntsville community. The collaboration allows Astroscale U.S. to build on existing relationships, better serve customers based in the area, and see the “Rocket City” through DESE’s experienced eyes.
“DESE has been a good friend and partner to us over the years, and we value their insights and experience in supporting Huntsville’s space community,” said Ron Lopez, President of Astroscale U.S. “We’ve been planning to expand our presence here for some time, and the timing couldn’t be better than now as we work to meet our customers’ needs effectively.”
“Huntsville is known for innovation in the space and defense sectors,” said Michael Kirkpatrick, CEO of DESE. “Through proactive relationship-building like this, the United States’ space industrial base builds strength and readiness to meet growing challenges.”
Astroscale U.S.’s strategic presence throughout the United States supports speed to contract and to delivery. By prioritizing U.S. suppliers and collaborators, the company develops solutions that meet customers’ needs on short timelines and with design flexibility, empowering work with the United States Space Force (USSF), Space Systems Command (SSC), NASA, and commercial customers and partners on innovative solutions across all orbits.
Future plans in the Huntsville area include connection with the rich research and innovation resources in the local university and academic network.
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About Astroscale U.S.
Astroscale U.S. Inc., is a leading provider of on-orbit servicing solutions and capabilities — including inspection, transportation, life extension, debris removal, and refueling — for the U.S. government and commercial operators around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Astroscale U.S. applies world-class mission design and rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking capabilities to solve the complex challenges our customers face. Astroscale U.S. is dedicated to Astroscale’s vision of ensuring the secure and sustainable development of space for future generations.
For more about Astroscale U.S., visit astroscale-us.com.
For more about Astroscale, visit astroscale.com.
About DESE Research
DESE Research recently celebrated its 43rdAnniversary and is proud to have served the warfighter and our community through the decades. DESE is committed to tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges in national security, technology, and engineering. Their mission is centered on the pivotal sectors of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment (DESE). They harness cutting-edge technologies and advanced engineering methodologies to deliver superior solutions and services.
For more about DESE Research, Inc., visit dese.com.
