Astroscale’s Debris-Monitoring Satellite Captures Detailed Image of an Abandoned Rocket Component

Astroscale’s innovative satellite, focused on monitoring space debris, has achieved a significant milestone by positioning itself near a disused rocket booster that has been orbiting Earth for almost two decades. This satellite has collected detailed imagery of the debris as a precursor to a potential future mission that would remove the object from orbit.

On June 14, Astroscale captured a remarkable photograph from a mere 50 meters (approximately 164 feet) away from the debris, marking a crucial step in its mission to clean up space. The satellite, part of Astroscale-Japan’s Active Debris Removal program (ADRAS-J), is currently demonstrating its ability to safely maneuver near and gather data about space junk with the ultimate goal of eliminating it from orbit.

The Japanese space agency selected the 150-kilogram ADRAS-J for the initial phase of its pioneering Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration Project (CRD2) in 2020. Astroscale’s critical role in both the initial and forthcoming phases of the project, including the future grappling and deorbiting stage announced in April, highlights its leading position in space debris removal.

Launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket earlier this year, ADRAS-J has been tailing an abandoned Japanese H-IIA rocket upper stage, a relic from a 2009 launch, gradually closing the distance through calculated maneuvers. The task was challenging, as the rocket stage, now silent, required Astroscale to employ ground-based tracking and orbital data to plot a precise approach.

In its quest, ADRAS-J is not just taking photographs but also analyzing the target’s spin rate and structural integrity. The forthcoming stages of the mission will see Astroscale attempting more intricate proximity operations to gather additional imagery and data, culminating in a maneuver that will place ADRAS-J in a safe orbit away from the debris.

Earlier this month, Astroscale celebrated its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, showcasing its revolutionary approach to managing space debris. With offices worldwide, the company is creating a diverse array of solutions for the stewardship of satellites and other space assets, catering to both active satellites and those at the end of their operational life.

For those interested in seeing more, Astroscale has released further imagery from ADRAS-J on YouTube.