Rocket Lab, a private aerospace company, is set to launch an ambitious space-junk inspection mission for Astroscale, a Japanese company. The mission, called ADRAS-J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan), aims to tackle the growing problem of space debris. As we continue to launch more satellites into orbit, the amount of space junk has become a significant concern.
The launch is scheduled to take place today at Rocket Lab’s New Zealand launch site at 9:52 a.m. EST. Viewers can watch the live coverage on Space.com or directly through Rocket Lab’s website. Coverage will begin approximately 20 minutes before liftoff.
ADRAS-J, weighing 330 pounds (150 kilograms), will not only test technologies and operations for approaching and monitoring debris objects but also provide valuable data for the removal of space junk. Astroscale, founded in 2013, is dedicated to finding solutions for this pressing issue and ensuring the sustainable use of space for future generations.
This mission follows Astroscale’s successful demonstration mission in 2021, known as ELSA-d, which involved capturing simulated debris in orbit using a magnetic system. Astroscale’s next mission, planned for 2026, aims to capture and remove two defunct British satellites from orbit in a mission called COSMIC (Cleaning Outer Space Mission through Innovative Capture).
If all goes according to plan, the Electron rocket will deploy ADRAS-J approximately 373 miles (600 kilometers) above Earth, targeting the upper stage of the Japanese H-2A rocket that launched the GOSAT Earth observation satellite in 2009. ADRAS-J will inspect the stage using cameras, and the full mission is expected to take between three and six months to complete.
This mission, named “On Closer Inspection,” will be Rocket Lab’s 44th overall and its second of 2024. In their previous flight on January 31, Rocket Lab successfully recovered the Electron’s first stage from the sea, a significant milestone in their efforts to make the booster reusable. However, there will be no rocket recovery on today’s mission.
Space debris poses a significant threat to future space exploration and satellite operations. As we continue to rely on satellites for various purposes, it is crucial to address the issue of space junk. The ADRAS-J mission represents an important step towards finding solutions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.
