Astroscale, a Japanese startup, is embarking on a groundbreaking mission to remove space debris. The company has launched a small satellite called ADRAS-J, which will approach a defunct upper stage from a Japanese H-IIA rocket that has been orbiting Earth for over 15 years. This mission, known as Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J), aims to demonstrate the private sector’s capabilities in removing large pieces of space debris from low-Earth orbit.
The ADRAS-J spacecraft, about the size of a kitchen oven and weighing approximately 330 pounds, was delivered into orbit by Rocket Lab. Over the next few months, the satellite will attempt to move within arm’s reach of the rocket, taking pictures and performing complex maneuvers to navigate around the bus-size upper stage. This is a significant challenge as the rocket is uncontrolled, likely spinning, and was never designed to accommodate any visitors.
The partnership between Astroscale and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aims to develop technologies for space debris removal, as well as satellite servicing and refueling missions. Eddie Kato, president and managing director of Astroscale Japan, explains that safely approaching, observing, and capturing objects in space is a common technology for on-orbit servicing. The success of the ADRAS-J mission will pave the way for future missions, including one that involves capturing and removing the H-IIA upper stage from orbit.
The ADRAS-J spacecraft will use thrusters to match orbits with the rocket and rely on ground-based tracking data to pinpoint its location in space. Once in closer range, the satellite will use visible and infrared cameras, along with laser ranging sensors, for relative navigation. Astroscale officials consider this transition from ground tracking to onboard sensors as a crucial moment for the mission. They will assess the spin rate, spin axis, and condition of the rocket’s structure.
JAXA is supporting the ADRAS-J mission through its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) program. The mission’s Phase 1 will last approximately two to three months, during which Astroscale aims to avoid colliding with the rocket. The ultimate goal is to address the growing problem of space debris, which poses risks to all nations operating in orbit. The population of space debris has increased by 76 percent since 2019, primarily due to debris-generating events and the launch of megaconstellations.
Astroscale sees debris removal as just one segment of a larger business opportunity. The company is also exploring on-orbit repair and assembly services, positioning itself as an orbit servicing company rather than solely focusing on debris removal. Astroscale has raised over $383 million in capital and is actively pursuing other missions, including ELSA-m, a partnership with the European Space Agency to dock with and deorbit a OneWeb communications satellite.
The success of the ADRAS-J mission is crucial for Astroscale’s long-term goals in satellite servicing and refueling. Rendezvous and proximity operations are foundational technologies for on-orbit servicing, and ADRAS-J will provide valuable data for future missions. As the space debris problem continues to grow, initiatives like ADRAS-J offer hope for a more sustainable future in space.