Satellite captures unprecedented image of giant piece of space junk

Astroscale Japan Inc, a Japanese company working to clean up space debris, has just shared a remarkable image - the first photo of a piece of space junk at an extremely close distance.

The image was taken from a distance of just 50 meters by the Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite camera system during the company's Active Debris Removal mission. The subject of the photo is a large piece of space debris measuring 11 meters by 4 meters. It is the upper stage of a Japanese H-IIA rocket, which has been circling the Earth in low Earth orbit since 2009.

Satellite captures unprecedented image of giant piece of space junk

Once ADRAS-J was within a few miles of the debris field, the team deployed an infrared camera that used a navigation algorithm to navigate safely. In May, ADRAS-J came within 50 meters of the landfill, enough to capture detailed images of the object. ADRAS-J will now attempt to move closer to the debris field to capture more detailed images.

The Japanese space agency has selected Astroscale for its Space Debris Removal Program (CRD2), and ADRAS-J is part of that initiative. Studying a piece of space junk up close allows Astroscale to fully understand the condition and movements of the object before it is destroyed. The data collected will allow scientists to launch another mission in the future to safely approach, “grab” the object with a robotic arm, and remove it from orbit, where it will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

Space debris in low Earth orbit includes not only old rocket parts, but also decommissioned satellites and even debris from collisions between these parts. NASA says there are millions of pieces of space junk orbiting the Earth at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour, posing a direct threat to active satellites, as well as the human habitat on the International Space Station and China’s new space station.

A series of international efforts have been underway over the years to find ways to safely and effectively remove the debris, which is estimated to total nearly 6,000 tonnes.

Leave a Comment

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Training Error Video Lag

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Training Error Video Lag

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Training Error" Video Lag ruining your meetings? Follow our step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for smooth video calls—no more frustration!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error occurred During Sign-In

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error occurred During Sign-In

Frustrated by Microsoft Teams "Error occurred" during sign-in? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, reset app, and more for seamless login. Works on Windows, Mac & web.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Call Error Disconnecting

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Call Error Disconnecting

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Call Error" Disconnecting? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for call drops, network issues, and more. Get back to seamless meetings fast with our expert troubleshooting guide.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error 2603: Login Loop Fix

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error 2603: Login Loop Fix

Stuck in Microsoft Teams Error 2603 login loop? Get proven step-by-step fixes to resolve the issue fast and restore seamless teamwork. Clear cache, reset, reinstall – all covered!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Voice Call Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Voice Call Error

Tired of Microsoft Teams voice call errors? Follow our step-by-step guide to troubleshoot no audio, echo, or call drops. Proven fixes for crystal-clear calls every time.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows Error Power Automate

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows Error Power Automate

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Workflows Error" in Power Automate? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve connection issues, permissions, and more. Get your workflows running smoothly today!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Reddit Popular Error Fixes

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Reddit Popular Error Fixes

Tired of Microsoft Teams crashes, black screens, and sign-in loops? Unlock Reddit's most popular, proven fixes to resolve common Microsoft Teams errors quickly and get back to productive meetings. Step-by-step guides inside!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Error 53003: Access Denied

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Error 53003: Access Denied

Tired of Microsoft Teams Error 53003 Access Denied blocking your meetings? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to troubleshoot and resolve it quickly – no tech expertise needed!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Media Error During Calls

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Media Error During Calls

Tired of Microsoft Teams media errors ruining your calls? Follow our expert, step-by-step guide to fix audio, video, and media issues quickly. Restore crystal-clear meetings today!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Classic Login Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Classic Login Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Classic" login error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, reset credentials, and more—no tech skills needed!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Test Call Mic Error

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Test Call Mic Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Test Call mic error? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting for microphone issues, from quick checks to advanced fixes. Restore crystal-clear audio in minutes!

Solving Microsoft Teams Error AADSTS90023: Invalid Authentication

Solving Microsoft Teams Error AADSTS90023: Invalid Authentication

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error AADSTS90023 Invalid Authentication? Discover step-by-step fixes to resolve this Azure AD issue quickly. Clear cache, reset credentials, and get back to seamless collaboration today!

Solving Microsoft Teams Error 1200: Step-by-Step Recovery

Solving Microsoft Teams Error 1200: Step-by-Step Recovery

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error 1200? Discover proven step-by-step fixes to resolve connection issues, clear cache, and get back to seamless collaboration. Quick recovery tips inside!

Why is My Microsoft Teams Status Stuck on Away?

Why is My Microsoft Teams Status Stuck on Away?

Frustrated with your Microsoft Teams status stuck on 'Away'? Uncover the top reasons like idle timeouts and power settings, plus step-by-step fixes to get back to 'Available' fast. Updated with the latest Teams features.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error: Administrator Has Disabled Chat

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error: Administrator Has Disabled Chat

Stuck with Microsoft Teams error "Administrator Has Disabled Chat"? Discover proven step-by-step solutions for admins and users to restore chat functionality fast. No tech skills needed!