ADRAS-J by Astroscale: status and timeline

ADRAS-J

Autonomous satellite for inspecting non-cooperative space debris. Closest commercial approach at 15 m from 2009 H-IIA rocket stage; 360-degree fly-around inspection completed.

PilotStage 3 of 5

Debris inspection complete (2024). ADRAS-J2 active removal (2027–28).

Updated 11 Dec 2024Checked 10 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · ADRAS-J2 active removal development ongoing

ADRAS-J launches for debris inspection mission2023Complete.
ADRAS-J closest approach: 15 m from rocket stageDec 2024Complete.
ADRAS-J 360-degree fly-around of debrisDec 2024Complete.
IPO on Tokyo Stock Exchange5 Jun 2024Complete.
ADRAS-J2 active removal development ongoingTarget 2026Current milestone.
ADRAS-J2 launch from NorwayTarget 2028Not yet reached.

Most important updates

Astroscale's ADRAS-J achieves closest approach to space debris: 15 meters from rocket stage11 Dec 2024

Upcoming

2026ADRAS-J2 active removal development ongoing (next)
2027ADRAS-J2 active removal mission
2028ADRAS-J2 launch from Norway

Current obstacles

Autonomous vision in sunlit orbitDetecting and tracking debris in varying sunlight conditions requires robust computer vision algorithms.
Fuel efficiency for multi-phase proximity operationsApproaching, hovering, and retreating from debris consumes significant propellant.

Physics limits

Debris tumble rate limits hover distanceFast-spinning objects create risk of collision; safe operation requires maintaining distance from tumbling targets.
Illumination constraintsComputer vision systems require adequate sunlight; operations in eclipse periods or twilight are constrained.

How it works

3 parts

Navigation

Autonomous rendezvous

ADRAS-J uses computer vision and automated orbit determination to approach non-cooperative targets without ground control.

Inspection

Detailed mapping

Complete 360-degree inspection maps target's condition, orientation, and tumble rate.

Data transmission

Assessment for capture

Collected data guides engineers in planning safe capture and deorbiting procedures for follow-on active removal missions.

Spec sheet

Spec	ADRAS-J
Closest approach distance (2024)	15 meters^R (reported)
Target debris age	H-IIA rocket stage from 2009^R (reported)
IPO capital raised (June 2024)	~$153 million^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Papers & demos

1 item

2024demo
ADRAS-J closest approach to space debris (opens en.wikipedia.org)First commercial proximity ops around non-cooperative debris; within 15 m.

Update log

1 update

Wed 11 Dec 2024

Major: Astroscale's ADRAS-J achieves closest approach to space debris: 15 meters from rocket stagePressResearch

About Astroscale

The team behind ADRAS-J

Astroscale

Active debris removal, satellite servicing, ADRAS-J

Japanese space servicing company headquartered in Tokyo. Develops satellite life extension, end-of-life management, space situational awareness, and active debris removal technologies.

First publicly traded space servicing company; TSE IPO June 2024 at ~$632M valuation.
ADRAS-J reached 15 m from 2009 rocket debris in December 2024; 360-degree fly-around completed.
ADRAS-J2 (2027–28 active removal) and ELSA-M (2028+ multi-client debris service).

astroscale.com (opens astroscale.com)Company profile →

Founded: 201313 yrs
Headquarters: Japan
Status: Public
Valuation: $632MprivateJun 2024
Raised: $118M4 rounds
Last round: IPO · $153M5 Jun 2024
Works in: SpaceflightIn-space mobility
Coverage: 2 programs · 5 updateslatest 1 Sep 2026checked 10 Oct
Customers: European Space Agency (opens esa.int)Eutelsat (opens eutelsat.com)Airbus Defence and Space (opens airbus.com)
Partners: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) (opens jaxa.jp)
Suppliers: Isar Aerospace (opens isaraerospace.com)
People: Mitsunobu Okada (opens en.wikipedia.org)Founder & CEO

Spec

ADRAS-J

Closest approach distance (2024)

15 meters^R (reported)

Target debris age

H-IIA rocket stage from 2009^R (reported)

IPO capital raised (June 2024)

~$153 million^R (reported)