Samtel Avionics, Japan’s BULL Sign MoU to Explore Space Debris Removal Technology

Under the partnership, the companies will study how BULL’s Post-Mission Disposal (PMD) technology can be integrated with Samtel’s active debris removal vehicles. The work will cover technical requirements, system integration and ways to attach PMD devices to debris already in orbit.

The amount of debris in Earth’s orbit is growing. According to the European Space Agency, around 40,000 objects are being tracked in space, and there could be more than 1.2 million debris pieces larger than 1 cm.

BULL develops PMD systems that help spacecraft leave orbit safely after their missions end. Samtel’s active debris removal technology, on the other hand, is designed to use dedicated vehicles to approach and remove objects that can no longer dispose of themselves.

Puneet Kaura, Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics, said, “Space debris is an increasing challenge for 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.”

Samtel Avionics, part of the Samtel Group, is an Indian defence electronics and avionics company based in Gurugram. The company is also expanding its work into aerospace and space technologies.

Founded in 2022, Japan-based BULL develops passive Post Mission Disposal (PMD) technologies for spacecraft. In 2025, the company was selected as a J-Startup by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It also became a JAXA Partner Startup in 2026.

The MoU is also linked to the efforts being made by India and Japan to deal with the growing problem of space debris. India aims to have debris-free space missions by 2030, while Japan has been backing private companies working on debris removal solutions.
For Samtel Avionics, the partnership is part of its move into space and satellite technologies, in addition to its existing defence avionics business.