A Japanese satellite has been launched to demonstrate the removal of space debris.
A Russian rocket, which carried the satellite, launched shortly after 3 p.m. JST on March 22 from a space center in Kazakhstan and reached Earth's orbit in the evening. Apparently, this is the world's first serious attempt to remove space-debris using a satellite.
The satellite was developed by Astroscale, a Tokyo-based startup dedicated to operations relating to the removal of space debris. The satellite consists of a "servicer" satellite, or a catcher, and a "client" satellite that represents mock debris. The servicer satellite releases the client satellite at an altitude of 550 kilometers and then approaches the client using sensors. The satellite captures the mock debris by using a powerful magnet, and both components burn up as it reenters Earth's atmosphere.
Space debris is made up of satellites and rockets that have been left in space. It is believed that there are more than 20,000 pieces of debris that are larger than 10 centimeters and are orbiting around Earth at incredibly high speeds. If the debris collides with other functioning satellites or space facilities, it can cause accidents or lead to malfunctions.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
