Front-Loading Technology For Space Debris Removal Under Study
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is studying front-loading technology for the removal of large-scale space debris from orbit. Astroscale Japan, a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings, has been selected to be a contracting party in phase II of that study.
This study will focus on the ground test of development hardware and software that are key for two critical areas of the Phase II mission: close proximity operations and the capture mechanism design. Ground tests will be conducted to verify the design concepts and performance of this hardware and software by using JAXA’s advanced Simulation Apparatus for Target Capture Dynamics. In addition, the study will require satellite design detail, trades and analysis, and mission operation concepts. The results of this conceptual study will be used as a reference for the technical feasibility of Phase II. Participating in this study is a necessary step to be considered by JAXA as the satellite and mission provider for the CRD2 Phase II mission.
Astroscale Japan was previously contracted as a partner for the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite by JAXA for Phase I of CRD2. ADRAS-J is scheduled for lift-off on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand in JFY 2022. Once deployed to a precise orbit by Electron’s Kick Stage, the ADRAS-J satellite is designed to rendezvous with a Japanese upper stage rocket body, demonstrate proximity operations, and obtain images, delivering observational data to better understand the debris environment.
JAXA plans to pioneer the elimination of large-scale space debris on orbit along with the busy enterprises who are willing to commercialize the endeavor. By taking advantage of achieving this goal, the agency aims to open up new fields of business. In order to adopt a gradual and steady way of proceeding, the first demonstration will involve a small satellite. By analysis of the results, plans to perform the world's first demonstration to remove large space debris from orbit using front-loading technology will proceed.
(Source: Astroscale news release. Additional information provided by JAXA. Image provided by Astroscale)