Astroscale Japan has released even more startling images of space debris in Earth’s orbit.
The Tokyo-based company launched its Active Debris Removal Spacecraft (ADRAS-J) aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. February 18, 2024 ADRAS-J is designed to test safe approach and investigation methods. Space debris This will be done in orbit through a maneuver called Rendezvous Proximity Operation (RPO).
To test the spacecraft’s capabilities, Astroscale sent ADRAS-J to photograph the upper stage of a decommissioned Japanese H-2A rocket. rocket The company released a statement on July 9th, showing new images of the wreckage floating against a blue and white sky. Earth The sunlight is reflected and it’s dazzling.
ADRAS-J took the photos sometime in June 2024 from a distance of just 165 feet (50 meters) from the bus-sized H-2A upper stage rocket, which is about 36 feet (11 meters) long and weighs 3 tons.
In addition to photographing space debris, ADRAS-J also demonstrated a collision avoidance system, including autonomous operation, using the RPO equipped with a failed upper stage rocket. In fact, while approaching the rocket body, the Astroscale spacecraft detected an attitude (orientation) anomaly and stopped autonomously.
ADRAS-J was then able to move away from the debris, demonstrating that this capability allows the spacecraft to “remain safe while approaching and conducting observations of uncooperative objects,” Astroscale wrote. statement .
Such close-quarters operations require delicate maneuvering, as much of the space debris, such as the H-2A’s upper stage, was not designed with such missions in mind.
A close-up of the bus-sized upper stage of a decommissioned Japanese H-2A rocket, photographed by Astroscale’s Active Debris Removal Spacecraft-J (ADRAS-J) in June 2024. (Image courtesy of Astroscale)
Astroscale has high hopes for ADRAS-J. Commercial Debris Removal Demonstration After the completion of CRD2, the company acquired the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ) plans to remove and deorbit large chunks of so-called “uncooperative” space junk that were not designed for such a deorbit mission.
“This next step is significant in addressing the space debris problem and laying the foundation for a sustainable environment for future generations,” said Eddie Kato, president of Astroscale Japan. Previous statement .
Phase 2 of the CRD2 mission is scheduled to begin after 2026.
