Launched successfully on February 18, the Adras-J satellite, which is tasked with characterizing a space debris up close, has reached its target and is now in close proximity. This debris is the upper stage of a Japanese H2A launcher used in 2009 to launch the Gosat satellite. The stage is approximately eleven meters long, four meters in diameter, and weighs around three tons. It is currently at an altitude of about 600 kilometers and orbits the Earth at a speed of about 7.5 km per second.
A few days ago, Astroscale’s satellite captured a series of images of this upper stage. These are the first images of space debris to be made public. They were taken when the satellite was only a few hundred meters away from its target.
Getting Closer to the Satellite
The satellite continues to approach the debris, despite its lack of cooperation and the risks involved, using an ellipse-based approach technique relying on navigation data provided by its sensors. In the upcoming phases of the mission, the satellite will continue to close in by performing controlled approach maneuvers to acquire more images of the upper stage. These images and data collected will play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of space debris and provide essential information for future orbital debris cleanup and management missions.
As Astroscale stated in their release, this “unprecedented image marks a crucial step towards understanding and resolving the challenges posed by space debris, leading to progress towards a safer and more sustainable space environment.”
Encouraging Awareness and Action Among Youth on these Issues
This image can also play a significant role in raising awareness among the younger generation about the importance of preserving the space near Earth. By highlighting the challenges related to space debris and visually illustrating the consequences of space pollution, this image can encourage young people to think about their impact on the space environment and the importance of taking measures to protect it.
It is also crucial to highlight the issues related to space debris, light pollution, as well as sustainability and preservation of space resources. By educating the younger generation on these issues, we can empower them to become the future guardians of space and contribute to a sustainable and responsible space future. Just as environmental protection and sustainable development have become driving forces for businesses and policies in society, the same should be true in space.
Pollution in Space: An Unprecedented Mission to Approach and Study a Large Space Debris
Article by Remy Decourt, published on 02/13/2024
With its satellite Adras-J, Astroscale is preparing for a unique mission aimed at demonstrating the rendezvous and proximity capabilities required for in-orbit services. On February 18, this satellite will be launched towards an upper stage of a Japanese H2A launcher to inspect it and acquire extensive information. This mission is much more complex than it seems because the satellite will have to operate close to a non-cooperative object whose main navigation parameters are not precisely known.
Today, the issue of space debris is a major concern that involves all space actors. Space agencies and governments alone cannot manage this problem, especially regarding the disentanglement and elimination of the largest and most threatening debris. In this context, to ensure space sustainability and preserve the essential orbital infrastructures vital for many applications such as telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research, there is a potential market worth hundreds of millions of dollars for the removal of these hazardous debris and the protection of space infrastructures and satellites.
Several private companies, mainly startups, are investing in this field to offer a variety of in-orbit services, including space cleaning (satellite or debris relocation, debris collection, etc.). Among these companies, Astroscale stands out. Founded in 2013 in Japan and with locations in the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel, and France, Astroscale, which is developing a hydrazine refueler for US military satellites, is preparing to launch its commercial debris inspection demonstration satellite, Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (Adras-J). This satellite will be launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on Sunday, February 18.
An Unprecedented Mission to Characterize a Non-Cooperative Debris up close
The Adras-J mission represents the world’s first attempt to safely approach, characterize, and study the state of an existing large space debris through rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). Adras-J will rendezvous with.The upper stage of the Japanese H2A rocket, used in 2009 to launch the Gosat satellite, intends to demonstrate proximity operations and capture images to assess the movement of the stage and the condition of its structure. This stage, approximately 11 meters long, 4 meters in diameter, and weighing around 3 tons, is currently positioned around 600 kilometers above the Earth, orbiting at a speed of about 7.5 km per second.
The Adras-J mission is more complex than it appears because unprepared objects in orbit lack the necessary technology for docking, maintenance, or removal.
Astroscale spokesperson answers our questions.
Futura: What are the main challenges of the mission?
Astroscale: Approaching an unprepared target (debris) in orbit, meaning it has not been equipped with technologies for approach, docking, maintenance, or removal, poses several challenges. For instance, the target does not provide GPS data, making its precise location and orbital position unknown. Additionally, the structure of the debris is also unknown, and we cannot control its attitude or altitude, nor can we communicate with it. Overall, the Adras-J mission is extremely complex and aims to showcase the necessary technologies to ensure reliable and secure orbital services.
Futura: Was the development of the satellite and its instruments difficult?
Astroscale: Yes, the development of the Adras-J satellite was a highly complex endeavor. This mission represents the world’s first attempt to safely approach, characterize, and study the status of a large existing space debris through rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
Once Adras-J is at an appropriate distance from the stage, it will use its own payload sensors to safely approach it. These sensors will gather various navigation data related to the stage, such as distance and attitude, demonstrating the effectiveness of RPO technologies in the secure approach of unprepared targets. The coordination between the onboard sensors is crucial for the mission’s success. This operation can be likened to transitioning from a telescope to binoculars and a magnifying glass on a vehicle moving swiftly on Earth, highlighting the inherent challenges of this type of mission. It is important to note that our satellite will not dock with the stage.
Futura: What specific data will Adras-J collect?
Astroscale: Adras-J will capture images to assess the structural condition of the stage and gather data to measure its rotation speed, axis of rotation, and material reflectivity properties. We will use LiDAR data, infrared cameras, and visible images.