Space debris filmed from all angles by a satellite

Jul 31. () –

The Japanese private satellite ADRAS-J, a technology demonstrator for inspecting space debris in orbit, has flown by such an object filming it from all angles.

On July 15 and 16, the Astroscale satellite was maneuvered to perform a “flight observation” its target, the upper stage of a rocket that launched the Greenhouse Gas Observation Satellite (GOSAT) in 2009.

Launched into space on February 18ADRAS-J flew over the object and obtained high-quality images of it. In addition, it took data on the motion of the rocket engine in space (including its orbital parameters) and assessed its condition. The initiative was successful and the teams captured excellent images of the engine from all angles.

The next step will be to carry out a “mission completion service,” which involves the transferring a piece of space junk into a safe orbitThis will be done in cooperation with the Japanese space agency JAXA, which has already provided extensive technical advice, test facilities and other support activities for the development and operation of ADRAS-J.