Rocket Lab Launches Mission Designed to Investigate Removing Space Junk from Orbit

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 22 February 2024 19:37

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Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 22, 2024

In an ambitious stride towards mitigating the escalating issue of orbital debris, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) has successfully launched its 44th Electron rocket, carrying a satellite designed to pioneer methods of space junk removal. The mission, aptly named "On Closer Inspection," saw the deployment of the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite from Rocket L

Rocket Lab Launches Mission Designed to Investigate Removing Space Junk from Orbit
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 22, 2024

In an ambitious stride towards mitigating the escalating issue of orbital debris, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) has successfully launched its 44th Electron rocket, carrying a satellite designed to pioneer methods of space junk removal.

The mission, aptly named "On Closer Inspection," saw the deployment of the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, marking a significant advancement in efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of space operations.

The ADRAS-J satellite, developed by Astroscale Japan Inc., is set to embark on a crucial mission to approach and inspect a defunct rocket stage left adrift in low Earth orbit since the launch of the GOSAT Earth observation satellite in 2009.

This initial phase aims to closely observe the Japanese H-2A rocket stage, utilizing onboard cameras and sensors to assess its condition and behavior in space. The insights gained from this mission will be vital in exploring potential techniques for safely de-orbiting similar objects in the future, thereby combating the growing challenge of space debris.

Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, Peter Beck, expressed pride in the company's role in this pioneering mission, stating, "Congratulations to the Astroscale team on this historic mission that paves the way for new and innovative ways to reduce orbital debris and ensure space remains safely accessible." The launch not only highlights Rocket Lab's dedicated service but also underscores the intricate orbital maneuvers and precise deployment capabilities required for such an advanced mission.

The collaboration between Rocket Lab and Astroscale underscores a shared commitment to enhancing space safety and sustainability. The meticulous planning and execution of the launch, requiring precise timing and orbital parameters, demonstrate Rocket Lab's ability to meet the demanding requirements of specialized space missions. Astroscale's founder and CEO, Nobu Okada, lauded the successful launch, emphasizing the mission's significance in fostering the growth of the on-orbit servicing sector while advancing efforts to create a sustainable space environment.

'On Closer Inspection' stands as Rocket Lab's second launch of 2024 and a testament to the company's ongoing contributions to space innovation and debris mitigation efforts. By enabling the ADRAS-J satellite to rendezvous with and study the derelict H-2A upper stage, this mission paves the way for future endeavors aimed at clearing space junk, ensuring the safety and accessibility of space for generations to come.