Astroscale Japan Advances to Next Stage in JAXA's Orbital Debris Removal Initiative

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 02 May 2024 12:07

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Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 26, 2024

Astroscale Japan Inc., part of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has been chosen by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to participate in Phase II of the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) program. This initiative is among the first globally to focus on the removal of large-scale space debris. "We are deeply honored to have been selected as the commercial partner of the ne

Astroscale Japan Advances to Next Stage in JAXA's Orbital Debris Removal Initiative
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 26, 2024

Astroscale Japan Inc., part of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has been chosen by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to participate in Phase II of the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) program. This initiative is among the first globally to focus on the removal of large-scale space debris.

"We are deeply honored to have been selected as the commercial partner of the next phase of this trailblazing program," said Eddie Kato, President and Managing Director of Astroscale Japan. "Having demonstrated several key capabilities during the ongoing Phase I mission, we are eager to demonstrate our ability to address the next challenge: the removal and deorbiting of large debris. This next phase holds significance in addressing the space debris issue and laying the foundation for a sustainable environment for future generations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JAXA for entrusting us with this responsibility."

The CRD2 program targets the removal of a large, unprepared Japanese upper stage rocket body, presenting significant challenges due to the lack of technologies for docking or removal on such objects.

Astroscale Japan's continued involvement from Phase I to Phase II includes the development, testing, launch, and operation of the ADRAS-J spacecraft, which is the first of its kind aimed at approaching and surveying large debris in space through Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).

The following are key milestones of the ADRAS-J mission:

- Feb. 18: Mission launch and commencement of in-orbit operations.
- Feb. 22: Initiation of the rendezvous phase.
- Apr. 9: Start of Angles Only Navigation and proximity approach from several hundred kilometers.
- Apr. 16: Beginning of Model Matching Navigation.
- Apr. 17: Close approach to the debris within several hundred meters.

The subsequent ADRAS-J2 mission will attempt to further approach the same debris, obtain additional imagery, and ultimately, remove and deorbit it using proprietary robotic arm technology.

Additionally, Astroscale Japan was selected for the Front-Loading Technology Study as part of Phase II in August 2022.