Japanese space-sustainability company Astroscale has recently secured a $90 million deal to undertake a groundbreaking mission of deorbiting a bus-sized rocket stage by the year 2029. This ambitious project, funded by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is part of Astroscale’s ADRAS-J mission, which successfully completed a detailed orbital inspection of a 12-year-old upper stage of a Japanese H-2A rocket. With the launch of their new mission, ADRAS-J2, Astroscale aims to use a robotic arm to capture the 3-ton, 36-foot-long rocket stage and guide it into Earth’s atmosphere for controlled disposal, showcasing a vital technology for space cleanup efforts.
The targeted rocket stage, which has been spinning uncontrollably in a 370-mile-high orbit since deploying the greenhouse gas-observing satellite GOSAT in 2009, represents just one of many spent rocket bodies cluttering near-Earth space. The challenges posed by the rocket’s erratic movements and its age make its removal a complex task, but the successful inspection conducted during the ADRAS-J mission revealed that the rocket’s payload adapter, essential for the capture process, remains intact. Astroscale emphasized the additional challenges posed by unprepared objects in orbit, lacking the necessary technologies for docking, servicing, or removal, highlighting the critical need for innovative solutions in space debris management.
In addition to the ADRAS-J2 mission, Astroscale is actively pursuing other space debris removal initiatives. In collaboration with satellite operator Eutelsat OneWeb, the company has signed a contract to remove a OneWeb satellite equipped with a magnetic docking plate from orbit in 2027. Furthermore, Astroscale is exploring the potential use of a concept spacecraft equipped with a robotic arm to address the removal of two old British satellites, a project currently under consideration by the U.K. Space Agency. These efforts underscore Astroscale’s commitment to advancing technology and capabilities in space debris mitigation.
Global Efforts in Space Debris Removal
The ADRAS-J2 mission represents a significant step forward in the global efforts to address the growing issue of space debris. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also actively engaged in a mission, known as ClearSpace-1, aimed at removing a piece of space junk, specifically targeting the Proba-1 satellite. Originally intended to remove a payload adapter from a European Vega rocket, the mission shifted its focus to Proba-1 following damage caused by an orbital collision in August 2023. While ClearSpace-1 is not expected to launch before 2028, it underscores the collaborative efforts of international space agencies in tackling the challenges of space debris.
Astroscale’s innovative technologies were put to the test in the ELSA-M mission, which successfully demonstrated the capture of simulated space junk using a magnetic system. These advancements in debris removal technology are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities and mitigating the risks associated with orbital debris. As the number of operational satellites continues to rise, the threat of collisions with space debris looms large, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard critical space assets and infrastructure.
The Impact of Space Debris on Orbital Environment
The proliferation of space debris poses a significant threat to the orbital environment, with thousands of objects larger than 4 inches hurtling through space. These debris fragments include old satellites, spent rocket stages, discarded objects from the International Space Station, and fragments generated from collisions and explosions. In addition to the larger debris pieces, millions of smaller objects between 0.4 and 4 inches in size, as well as over 130 million objects smaller than 0.4 inches, contribute to the growing clutter in near-Earth space. The high velocities at which these objects travel increase the risk of collisions, potentially causing damage to operational satellites and spacecraft.
The Kessler Syndrome, a scenario in which cascading collisions create a cloud of debris that renders certain orbital regions unusable for an extended period, represents a looming threat to space activities. Preventing the escalation of debris through strategic removal efforts is essential for maintaining a safe and sustainable space environment. Experts emphasize the importance of active debris removal to mitigate the risks associated with space debris and prevent the onset of catastrophic scenarios that could impact future space exploration and commercial activities.
Future Prospects in Space Sustainability
As the space industry continues to expand and evolve, the need for sustainable practices and technology solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Initiatives like the ADRAS-J2 mission and ClearSpace-1 demonstrate the collective commitment of the international space community to address the challenges posed by space debris and ensure the long-term viability of space operations. By leveraging innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships, organizations like Astroscale and ESA are paving the way for a more secure and sustainable space environment.
The advancements in space debris removal technology hold promise for enhancing the safety and reliability of space activities, enabling continued exploration and utilization of space resources. Through ongoing research, development, and operational missions, the space industry is poised to overcome the challenges of orbital debris and establish best practices for managing space sustainability. As we look towards the future of space exploration and commercial ventures, the effective management of space debris will play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of human activities in space.