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

Astroscale/ADRAS-J

In December 2024, Astroscale's ADRAS-J achieved autonomous proximity operations within 15 meters of non-cooperative space debris—a Japanese H-IIA rocket upper stage launched in 2009. The spacecraft conducted a complete 360-degree fly-around to map the debris's condition, orientation, and tumble rate, providing critical data for planning the follow-on ADRAS-J2 active removal mission.