ADRAS-J: First Encounter with Space Debris
Day: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 17:45 - 18:45 AEST
Location: Pyrmont Theatre, International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney
Astroscale’s ADRAS-J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan) spacecraft, selected by JAXA for Phase I of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program, launched in February 2024 as the world’s first mission to safely approach, characterize, and survey a large, unprepared space debris object using Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). The ADRAS-J team achieved groundbreaking milestones, redefining the possibilities of on-orbit servicing and space sustainability.
ADRAS-J demonstrated unprecedented RPO capabilities by safely approaching a defunct H-IIA upper stage—a rocket body launched in 2009, measuring approximately 11 meters in length, 4 meters in diameter, and weighing 3 tons. The mission successfully navigated to within ~50 meters of the debris and conducted three controlled fly-around operations, capturing high-resolution images from multiple angles under varying lighting conditions.
In December 2024, ADRAS-J reached a historic milestone—achieving a precise approach to within 15 meters of the debris, the closest approach ever approach by a commercial company to space debris using RPO technologies.
Unprepared objects, like defunct satellites and rocket bodies, pose a significant challenge for servicing and removal due to their lack of docking features or cooperative guidance. Despite these obstacles, ADRAS-J successfully captured detailed images of the debris’ structural condition and movement, offering invaluable insights into its behavior. Notably, the mission verified that the payload attach fitting—the intended capture point for ADRAS-J2—remains intact, providing critical data for future removal operations.
ADRAS-J’s success represents a pivotal moment for the space industry, proving that commercial missions can safely and effectively conduct complex RPO with unprepared debris. This mission lays the technological foundation for future debris removal efforts and reinforces the urgent need for sustainable space operations.
