The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has awarded orbital debris removal solutions provider Astroscale Japan a contract for Phase II of the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program. The two organizations began their collaboration with Phase I, where Astroscale’s ADRAS-J conducted a controlled fly-around observation of the debris.
Under the new deal, the company will showcase the capabilities of its Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan 2 spacecraft to remove an unprepared upper-stage rocket body from space. Astroscale said the ADRAS-J2 advances capabilities that would support global efforts to address the space debris issue.
According to the in-orbit service provider’s press release, the removal of an unprepared object is a more complex mission as the debris is not designed to enable docking or potential servicing or removal.
The Japanese government has been investing to help expand the country’s space industry. In March, it set up a $6.7 billion fund for Japanese companies to support JAXA’s development, technology demonstration and commercialization of advanced space technologies.