AstroForge Chooses Safran DSI to Power Vestri Asteroid Mission with Electric Propulsion
In a groundbreaking partnership, AstroForge, a forward-thinking startup from California, has selected Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) to supply electric propulsion systems for its forthcoming Vestri asteroid mission, slated for an early 2026 launch. This mission aims to dock with a near-Earth asteroid, assessing its composition while exploring new avenues in asteroid mining. The implications of such an endeavor are vast, particularly in the realm of sourcing valuable resources like platinum group metals (PGMs) from space, which could lead to both supply and environmental advantages over traditional terrestrial mining methods.
Safran DSI will provide two EPS®X00 systems designed specifically for this mission. Each system includes a PPS®X00 thruster, a Power Processing Unit, and a Fluid Management System. The advanced capabilities of these propulsion systems will be crucial as AstroForge attempts to rendezvous with and analyze a geographical target in deep space.
According to Robyn Ringuette, Chief Operating Officer of AstroForge, the decision to partner with Safran was heavily influenced by their successful test of the EPS®X00 system at Safran’s manufacturing facility in Normandy, France. "Many manufacturers in today's market boast about their products, but the level of professionalism displayed by Safran, along with their extensive experience of over 30 years in electric propulsion, set them apart," she stated. The company’s reputation is also bolstered by its achievements in space, including prior successful missions to the moon using electric propulsion.
Pier M. Roviera, President of Space Solutions at Safran DSI, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the Vestri mission. He stated, "We are honored to support AstroForge’s ambitious Vestri mission with our EPS®X00 platform. Our selection for such an innovative New Space mission is a testament to not only the reliability and technology of our electric propulsion systems but also our team's deep expertise. There is palpable energy and pride in joining a project that is pushing the boundaries of what humanity can achieve in the realm of asteroid mining."
In line with this mission, Safran DSI is also ramping up its U.S. manufacturing facilities. A newly constructed site in Parker, Colorado, will focus on producing EPS®X00 units domestically, with the first units expected to be available by the fourth quarter of 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Safran DSI and underscores the company’s dedication to supporting rising innovators in the New Space segment.
Safran is renowned as a high-technology international group active across aviation, defense, and space industries, aiming for a future where travel is environmentally friendly and widely accessible. The company is present in various markets and employs over 100,000 people, reporting sales of €27.3 billion in 2024. As members of prominent stock indices such as CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50, their influence in the aerospace industry is undeniable.
As the Vestri mission nears its launch date, the collaboration between AstroForge and Safran DSI is a significant leap not only for the respective companies but also for the entire field of space exploration and resource mining. The success of this mission could redefine our approach to mining practices and help pave the way towards more sustainable and less eco-destructive methods of obtaining precious materials for Earth. The excitement builds as the world awaits what could be a historic venture in asteroid mining.
Safran DSI will provide two EPS®X00 systems designed specifically for this mission. Each system includes a PPS®X00 thruster, a Power Processing Unit, and a Fluid Management System. The advanced capabilities of these propulsion systems will be crucial as AstroForge attempts to rendezvous with and analyze a geographical target in deep space.
According to Robyn Ringuette, Chief Operating Officer of AstroForge, the decision to partner with Safran was heavily influenced by their successful test of the EPS®X00 system at Safran’s manufacturing facility in Normandy, France. "Many manufacturers in today's market boast about their products, but the level of professionalism displayed by Safran, along with their extensive experience of over 30 years in electric propulsion, set them apart," she stated. The company’s reputation is also bolstered by its achievements in space, including prior successful missions to the moon using electric propulsion.
Pier M. Roviera, President of Space Solutions at Safran DSI, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the Vestri mission. He stated, "We are honored to support AstroForge’s ambitious Vestri mission with our EPS®X00 platform. Our selection for such an innovative New Space mission is a testament to not only the reliability and technology of our electric propulsion systems but also our team's deep expertise. There is palpable energy and pride in joining a project that is pushing the boundaries of what humanity can achieve in the realm of asteroid mining."
In line with this mission, Safran DSI is also ramping up its U.S. manufacturing facilities. A newly constructed site in Parker, Colorado, will focus on producing EPS®X00 units domestically, with the first units expected to be available by the fourth quarter of 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Safran DSI and underscores the company’s dedication to supporting rising innovators in the New Space segment.
Safran is renowned as a high-technology international group active across aviation, defense, and space industries, aiming for a future where travel is environmentally friendly and widely accessible. The company is present in various markets and employs over 100,000 people, reporting sales of €27.3 billion in 2024. As members of prominent stock indices such as CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50, their influence in the aerospace industry is undeniable.
As the Vestri mission nears its launch date, the collaboration between AstroForge and Safran DSI is a significant leap not only for the respective companies but also for the entire field of space exploration and resource mining. The success of this mission could redefine our approach to mining practices and help pave the way towards more sustainable and less eco-destructive methods of obtaining precious materials for Earth. The excitement builds as the world awaits what could be a historic venture in asteroid mining.
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