Space debris removal satellite successfully launched; Astro-scale

Astro scale holdings, inc.

 Astro Scale Holdings (Sumida, Tokyo), a space debris removal technology company, announced on the 23rd that it has successfully launched a technology demonstration satellite. The satellite will be tested within a few weeks.

After launch, the satellite was detached at an altitude of 550 kilometers, and communication with the ground was confirmed around 10:30 p.m. The experiment, which will last about six months, will begin as soon as the operation of the equipment is confirmed.

Astroscale CEO Mitsunobu Okada said, " We are pleased with the success of the mission, and we hope to complete the mission safely and further encourage the entire space industry to act responsibly.

Debris is a component of used satellites and rockets, and Astroscale is aiming to commercialize debris removal services in the early 2020s. (Nikkei Shinbun)