"Rocket Lab Electron Launches Space Debris Removal Mission"

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket successfully launched the ADRAS-J satellite, built by Astroscale, on a mission to inspect and develop techniques for removing space debris. The satellite will approach and monitor a discarded rocket body in orbit as part of the Japanese space agency's Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program. Equipped with visual and infrared cameras and LiDAR sensors, the ADRAS-J spacecraft will assess the rocket body's condition and make a close approach, marking a significant step in on-orbit services and space debris removal capabilities.