ADRAS-J

ADRAS-J

Electron FEB 18 2024 2:52 PM UTC

The ADRAS-J mission will be the world’s first attempt to safely approach and characterize an existing piece of large debris through Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) and is the start of a full-fledged debris removal service.

Last updated: May 10, 2024

Launch Information

Launch Information

Launch Vehicle Details

Mission NameADRAS-J
Launch SiteRocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch VehicleElectron
AgencyRocket Lab
Launch DateFEB 18 2024

The ADRAS-J spacecraft was selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (“JAXA”) for Phase I of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program. Astroscale Japan is responsible for the design, manufacture, test, launch and operations of ADRAS-J.This mission is the world’s first attempt to safely approach, characterize and survey the state of an existing piece of large debris through RPO. ADRAS-J is designed to rendezvous with a Japanese H2A upper stage rocket body, demonstrate proximity operations, and gather images to assess the rocket body’s movement and condition of the structure. The mission will demonstrate the most challenging RPO capabilities necessary for on-orbit services.

Launch Vehicle - Electron

Payload To LEOOriginal: 225 Kg (496 lb) Updated: 300 Kg (660 lb)
Payload To SSOOriginal: 150 Kg (330 lb) Updated: 200 Kg (440 lb)
PropellantRP-1/LOX
Payload Capacity150–225 Kg (331–496 lb)
Height18 m (59 ft)
Diameter1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Mass12.5 t (28000 lb)
Stages2–3

ADRAS-J Launch Video

ADRAS-J