Rocket Lab's Electron Successfully Launches Astroscale-Japan's ADRAS-J Satellite for Orbital Debris Inspection Mission

New Zealand, February 19 2024, Rocket Lab achieved a milestone today as its 44th Electron rocket, named "On Closer Inspection," launched from Pad B at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The mission, conducted on February 18), marked a significant step forward in space sustainability and debris management.

The Electron rocket deployed the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite, weighing 150kg. ADRAS-J is uniquely designed to test technologies and operations for approaching and monitoring debris objects in orbit, commonly referred to as space junk. This mission sets the stage for evaluating the potential of satellites to rendezvous with orbital debris objects, contributing to their deorbiting process.

Following a successful launch, the ADRAS-J satellite is set to embark on a mission to closely approach an aged, derelict rocket stage orbiting in space. This specific rocket stage is the Japanese H-2A upper stage left in low Earth orbit after the launch of the GOSAT Earth observation satellite in 2009. ADRAS-J will utilize cameras and sensors to observe the 11m long, 4m diameter stage, exploring potential methods for assisted deorbiting. Astroscale estimates the full mission duration to be between three to six months.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck, congratulated the Astroscale team on this groundbreaking mission, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches to reduce orbital debris and maintain safe accessibility to space. He stated, "It’s a real honour to provide a dedicated launch service and enable the kind of precise orbital manoeuvres required for an advanced mission like this."

To facilitate the rendezvous of the ADRAS-J satellite with the derelict H-2A upper stage, Rocket Lab executed meticulous planning. Astroscale provided the final perigee, apogee, and inclination parameters just 20 days before launch, a departure from the typical practice of determining these parameters months ahead. Rocket Lab's mission required highly accurate orbital insertion with tighter margins compared to standard missions. The exact T-0 was determined only the day prior to launch, emphasizing Rocket Lab's capability to deliver rapid and responsive advanced guidance, navigation, and control analysis.

Astroscale founder & CEO Nobu Okada expressed gratitude for the successful launch, stating, "Today’s successful launch of ADRAS-J marks another milestone toward our efforts to grow the on-orbit servicing sector while creating a sustainable space environment." The collaboration with Rocket Lab, known for its expertise in dedicated launch services, has been instrumental in the start of this groundbreaking mission.

*Tags: Active, Debris Removal, Astroscale Japan, Electron rocket, Japanese H-2A, Rocket Lab, Space Debris*

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