Astroscale Japan Inc. has unveiled its latest creation, the demonstration satellite ADRAS-J, designed to tackle the growing issue of space debris. Set to be launched within the fiscal year of 2023 from New Zealand, this satellite aims to approach and remove space debris from the Earth’s orbit.
With an increasing number of satellites being launched into space, the amount of debris orbiting the Earth has become a major concern. Space debris, including defunct satellites, spent rockets, and other fragments, poses a significant threat to the International Space Station and existing artificial satellites. In fact, the potential for major accidents caused by space debris cannot be understated.
Astroscale Japan Inc. hopes to combat this problem with its latest creation, ADRAS-J. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including high-performance cameras and laser rangefinders, this satellite can accurately track the position and movement of debris. Once in close proximity to the debris, the ultimate goal is to capture it using a robotic arm and burn it up in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Eijiro Atarashi, the project manager at Astroscale Japan, stressed the urgency of resolving the space debris issue. He expressed hope that this demonstration would contribute to finding a viable solution. The team at Astroscale Japan believes that their technology will revolutionize the way we deal with space debris, ensuring the safety of both manned and unmanned missions in space.
The demonstration satellite, ADRAS-J, is particularly noteworthy for its upcoming launch. It is set to come within a few to several dozen meters of the upper section of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.15, a large rocket currently orbiting the Earth at a speed of 8 kilometers per second. This precise maneuverability showcases the advanced capabilities of ADRAS-J and the team’s commitment to resolving the space debris problem.
As the launch date draws near, the anticipation for ADRAS-J’s successful mission grows. If this demonstration proves successful, it could pave the way for future missions aimed at removing other space debris. Astroscale Japan’s efforts in developing practical technology to combat the space debris issue represent a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space exploration.
Currently, with no practical technology available to remove space debris from orbit, the importance of Astroscale Japan’s mission cannot be overstated. Countless lives and billions of dollars in investment rely on the successful elimination of space debris. By unveiling ADRAS-J and its revolutionary capabilities, Astroscale Japan is taking a groundbreaking step towards safeguarding our future in space.
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