All articles tagged with #adras j satellite
The first-ever attempt to remove a dead rocket from Earth's orbit has commenced, aiming to address the growing problem of space debris. The mission, funded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and carried out in collaboration with various companies, involves the ADRAS-J satellite launched aboard an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab’s New Zealand launch site on February 18.
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.
Rocket Lab is set to launch Astroscale's ADRAS-J satellite, aimed at testing technologies for approaching and monitoring space debris. The satellite will attempt to address the growing problem of space junk and deliver data to assist in its removal, with a focus on sustainable space use. If successful, ADRAS-J will orbit 373 miles above Earth and inspect the upper stage of a Japanese rocket. This mission marks Rocket Lab's 44th overall and second of 2024, with no rocket recovery planned.