Astroscale, a Japanese company dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of space, has recently made headlines with its latest mission. The company has signed a $90 million deal with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to remove a 3-ton, 36-foot-long rocket stage from orbit by the end of the decade. This mission, known as ADRAS-J2, is set to demonstrate a critical space cleanup technology that could pave the way for future space debris removal missions.
The ADRAS-J2 mission will utilize a robotic arm to grab the out-of-control rocket stage and pull it into Earth’s atmosphere to burn up. This process will not only remove the debris from orbit but also ensure that it does not pose a threat to other spacecraft or satellites in the future. The successful completion of this mission will mark a significant milestone in the field of space debris removal and pave the way for future missions.
Astroscale is no stranger to space debris removal missions. The company has two other missions in the works, both of which aim to remove space debris from orbit. The first mission, known as ELSA-d, is set to launch in 2021 and will demonstrate the company’s ability to capture and remove a piece of space debris. The second mission, known as ELSA-M, is set to launch in 2024 and will demonstrate the company’s ability to capture and remove multiple pieces of space debris.
Space debris removal is critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of space for future operations. With the increasing number of satellites and spacecraft being launched into orbit, the risk of collisions and the creation of more space debris is higher than ever before. This not only poses a threat to existing spacecraft and satellites but also to future space missions.
Astroscale’s mission to remove space debris from orbit is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the sustainability of space. The company’s innovative technology and dedication to the cause have made it a leader in the field of space debris removal. With the successful completion of the ADRAS-J2 mission, Astroscale will have demonstrated its ability to remove large pieces of space debris from orbit, paving the way for future missions and ensuring the safety of space for generations to come.
