Astroscale announces world’s first approach and inspection of space debris

ADRAS – J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan) will be the world’s first attempt to safely approach and inspect a non-controlled, non-trackable piece of an H-IIA rocket through rendezvous proximity operations (RPO) without docking it.

A press conference on September 28 outlined the first phase of the mission, and announced the later second phase that will involve docking to the client and de-orbiting the debris.

The mission is the first phase of a larger program at JAXA, namely the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration project (CRD2).

The November 2023 launch of ADRAS – J on board a Rocket Lab Electron rocket is on hold following Rocket Lab’s recent mission failure; subsequent launches have been paused while an investigation takes place.

Astroscale COO, Chris Blackerby, hopes that this mission will be the catalyst for further orbit-maintenance.

“Orbit-servicing can be built into space architecture, including spacecraft servicing, repairs, refurbishments and recycling,” he said. “This will enhance spacecrafts, extend their lifetimes and ensure a safe space environment.”