Astroscale

Astroscale is a pioneering on-orbit servicing company developing satellite life extension, space situational awareness, and active debris removal solutions. Founded in 2013 by Mitsunobu Okada in Singapore and now headquartered in Tokyo, Astroscale is addressing the growing challenge of space sustainability through innovative spacecraft and operations.

The ADRAS-J mission achieved historic milestones in 2024 as the world's first attempt to safely approach and characterize existing large debris through Rendezvous and Proximity Operations. Launched by Rocket Lab in February 2024, ADRAS-J targeted a defunct Japanese upper stage rocket body approximately 11 meters long and 3 tons in mass, orbiting since 2009.

In December 2024, ADRAS-J achieved a historic 15-meter approach to the debris, the closest approach ever achieved by a commercial company to space debris through RPO. The spacecraft completed all observations required by JAXA, including multiple fly-around operations confirming the debris condition and providing critical data for future removal missions.

ADRAS-J was selected by JAXA for Phase I of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration Project. Astroscale Japan was also selected for Phase II, which will involve capturing and deorbiting the upper stage with the ADRAS-J2 spacecraft. Development is underway utilizing ADRAS-J heritage and collected data. Astroscale is a publicly traded company advancing commercial space sustainability services to ensure the long-term usability of orbital environments for future generations.