<p>Japan has successfully launched a spacecraft designed to inspect and potentially remove man-made space debris from around the Earth, said a statement from Astroscale Japan on Monday.<br />
<br />
The Active Debris Removal has been launched by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J). As per an AFP news agency report, it will rendezvous with and examine a Japanese H2A rocket remnant that has been in space for 15 years. The H2A rocket body, about the size of a bus, was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2009. Its precise location and orbital position are not known.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-debris-cloud-has-been-growing-in-a-distant-star-system-due-to-a-massive-collision-between-two-exoplanets-691648">Debris cloud growing in a distant star system after massive collision between two exoplanets</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Debris removal</strong></h2>

<p>Launched from New Zealand, the ADRAS-J spacecraft has already made contact and is ready to begin operations, said project manager Eijiro Atarashi in a statement.</p>

<p>Using observation data from Earth, the estimated location of the H2A rocket body will be determined, and ADRAS-J will approach it "from a safe distance" to gather images and assess its condition and movements.</p>

<p>Selected by JAXA for its debris removal programme, ADRAS-J, as per Astroscale is the first spacecraft of its kind, which aims to remove large debris of Japanese origin in collaboration with private companies.</p>

<h2><strong>Space debris</strong></h2>

<p>As per the European Space Agency (ESA) estimates, there are around one million pieces of debris larger than a centimetre in orbit. These pieces of debris, which are big enough to "disable a spacecraft" pose a big threat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-successfully-launches-new-h3-rocket-following-setback-last-year-691091">Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year</a></strong></p>

<p>The build-up of space debris, including used satellites and rocket parts, has been a growing concern since the space age began. Proposed solutions include using lasers to push debris into new orbits and Astroscale's space "tow-truck," which employs a magnet to collect and move out-of-service satellites.</p>

<p>The ADRAS-J mission follows Japan's successful launch of its new flagship H3 rocket on Saturday, after years of delays and previous failed attempts. Additionally, Japan achieved a successful, albeit slightly off-kilter, unmanned probe landing on the Moon last month, making it the fifth country to accomplish a "soft" lunar landing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has successfully launched a spacecraft designed to inspect and potentially remove man-made space debris from around the Earth, said a statement from Astroscale Japan on Monday.

Japan has successfully launched a spacecraft designed to inspect and potentially remove man-made space debris from around the Earth, said a statement from Astroscale Japan on Monday. The Active Debris Removal has been launched by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J). As per an AFP news agency report, it will rendezvous with and examine a Japanese H2A rocket remnant that has been in space for 15 years. The H2A rocket body, about the size of a bus, was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2009. Its precise location and orbital position are not known. Also read | Debris cloud growing in a distant star system after massive collision between two exoplanets Debris removal Launched from New Zealand, the ADRAS-J spacecraft has already made contact and is ready to begin operations, said project manager Eijiro Atarashi in a statement. Using observation data from Earth, the estimated location of the H2A rocket body will be determined, and ADRAS-J will approach it "from a safe distance" to gather images and assess its condition and movements. Selected by JAXA for its debris removal programme, ADRAS-J, as per Astroscale is the first spacecraft of its kind, which aims to remove large debris of Japanese origin in collaboration with private companies. Space debris As per the European Space Agency (ESA) estimates, there are around one million pieces of debris larger than a centimetre in orbit. These pieces of debris, which are big enough to "disable a spacecraft" pose a big threat. Also read | Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year The build-up of space debris, including used satellites and rocket parts, has been a growing concern since the space age began. Proposed solutions include using lasers to push debris into new orbits and Astroscale's space "tow-truck," which employs a magnet to collect and move out-of-service satellites. The ADRAS-J mission follows Japan's successful launch of its new flagship H3 rocket on Saturday, after years of delays and previous failed attempts. Additionally, Japan achieved a successful, albeit slightly off-kilter, unmanned probe landing on the Moon last month, making it the fifth country to accomplish a "soft" lunar landing. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk

<p>Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3. The&nbsp;achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure.</p>

<h2>Building on recent success: SLIM moon landing</h2>

<p>Just last month, Japan celebrated the historic "pinpoint" moon landing of its SLIM spacecraft, further solidifying its presence in space exploration.</p>

<p>The success of the H3 launch adds another feather to Japan's cap, showcasing its growing expertise and capabilities in space missions.</p>

<p>Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is positioned to replace the ageing H-IIA.</p>

<p>With lower costs and increased payload capacity, the H3 aims to attract launch orders from international clients.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan no longer third-largest economy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-no-longer-third-largest-economy-690436/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Successful liftoff and operational milestones</strong></h2>

<p>The H3 rocket lifted off at 9:22 am&nbsp;Tokyo time, with JAXA confirming its successful liftoff and proper functioning of its engines, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>This achievement was met with jubilation at the Tanegashima Space Center, as scientists rejoiced in the culmination of their efforts. The rocket's mission includes the release of micro-satellites and a dummy satellite.</p>

<p>The success of this launch comes after the setback of the H3's first flight, which ended prematurely due to technical issues. JAXA's thorough review identified potential electrical faults but was unable to pinpoint the exact cause.</p>

<p>With its ability to carry a 6.5 metric tonne payload and lower per-launch costs, the H3 is poised to play a crucial role in Japan's future space missions.</p>

<p>Plans include launching satellites and probes, collaborating on lunar exploration projects with India and the United States, and supporting initiatives such as the Artemis moon exploration programme.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-slips-into-recession-economy-shrinks-in-the-last-three-months-of-2023-690388">Also read |&nbsp;Japan slips into recession, overtaken by Germany as third largest economy</a></p>

<p>Japan's space ambitions coincide with a competitive landscape, with the emergence of commercial players like SpaceX and new rockets from established entities like the United Launch Alliance and the European Space Agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3.

Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3. The achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure. Building on recent success: SLIM moon landing Just last month, Japan celebrated the historic "pinpoint" moon landing of its SLIM spacecraft, further solidifying its presence in space exploration. The success of the H3 launch adds another feather to Japan's cap, showcasing its growing expertise and capabilities in space missions. Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is positioned to replace the ageing H-IIA. With lower costs and increased payload capacity, the H3 aims to attract launch orders from international clients. Also watch | Japan no longer third-largest economy Successful liftoff and operational milestones The H3 rocket lifted off at 9:22 am Tokyo time, with JAXA confirming its successful liftoff and proper functioning of its engines, reported Reuters. This achievement was met with jubilation at the Tanegashima Space Center, as scientists rejoiced in the culmination of their efforts. The rocket's mission includes the release of micro-satellites and a dummy satellite. The success of this launch comes after the setback of the H3's first flight, which ended prematurely due to technical issues. JAXA's thorough review identified potential electrical faults but was unable to pinpoint the exact cause. With its ability to carry a 6.5 metric tonne payload and lower per-launch costs, the H3 is poised to play a crucial role in Japan's future space missions. Plans include launching satellites and probes, collaborating on lunar exploration projects with India and the United States, and supporting initiatives such as the Artemis moon exploration programme. Also read | Japan slips into recession, overtaken by Germany as third largest economy Japan's space ambitions coincide with a competitive landscape, with the emergence of commercial players like SpaceX and new rockets from established entities like the United Launch Alliance and the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year

Japan was forced to blow up its new rocket during a failed launch on Tuesday, setting back efforts to crack a market led by Elon Musk's Space X. Watch the video to know more.

Japan forced to destroy flagship H3 rocket in failed launch

<p>The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite.</p>

<p>Amid the live-streamed event, the main engine of the H3 rocket had cut off after the launch countdown went to zero, and the 57-metre (187ft) rocket remained standing on its launch pad at the Tanegashima spaceport. Along with the rocket was its payload, the ALOS-3 land observation satellite, which has an infrared sensor designed to detect ballistic missiles of North Korea.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. <a href="https://t.co/q04XSKONQf">https://t.co/q04XSKONQf</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxGGllpLOd">pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd</a></p>
— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1626396356087627776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said that the failure in the rocket's launch is being investigated. The H3 rocket was built by Japan to increase the nation's independent access to space and increase its chances of seizing a major share in the global launch market in comparison to its rival Elon Musk's SpaceX.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-failure-on-maiden-flight-india-all-set-for-new-sslv-rocket-launch-on-feb-10-559511">After failure on maiden flight, India all set for new SSLV rocket launch on Feb 10</a></p>

<p><img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="885a0574-5bc9-4053-bfd6-4c2d76a0aaa5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-17T102329.860.png" /></p>

<p>The rocket was designed to put commercial and government satellites into orbit and deliver supplies to the International Space Station. As part of the deepening co-operation of Tokyo with the United States in space, cargo will be carried out by later variants to the Gateway lunar space station which will be built by NASA as part of its programme for people to return to the moon.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket</strong></p>

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<p>Japan has been promised a seat in one of the United States crewed lunar missions. H3's builder and launch manager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, hoped that the rocket will boost the country's space ambitions as SpaceX plans commercial launch of reusable rockets, which includes Falcon 9.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite.

The first new medium-lift launcher of Japan in three decades, the H3 rocket, failed in its first launch on Friday after two secondary booster engines which were strapped to the side of the space vehicle failed to ignite. Amid the live-streamed event, the main engine of the H3 rocket had cut off after the launch countdown went to zero, and the 57-metre (187ft) rocket remained standing on its launch pad at the Tanegashima spaceport. Along with the rocket was its payload, the ALOS-3 land observation satellite, which has an infrared sensor designed to detect ballistic missiles of North Korea. ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. https://t.co/q04XSKONQf pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd — Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) February 17, 2023 × The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said that the failure in the rocket's launch is being investigated. The H3 rocket was built by Japan to increase the nation's independent access to space and increase its chances of seizing a major share in the global launch market in comparison to its rival Elon Musk's SpaceX. ALSO READ | After failure on maiden flight, India all set for new SSLV rocket launch on Feb 10 The rocket was designed to put commercial and government satellites into orbit and deliver supplies to the International Space Station. As part of the deepening co-operation of Tokyo with the United States in space, cargo will be carried out by later variants to the Gateway lunar space station which will be built by NASA as part of its programme for people to return to the moon. WATCH | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket Japan has been promised a seat in one of the United States crewed lunar missions. H3's builder and launch manager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, hoped that the rocket will boost the country's space ambitions as SpaceX plans commercial launch of reusable rockets, which includes Falcon 9. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | Japan's new H3 rocket fails to lift off in first-ever launch attempt

<p>Japan's ambitious launch of its flagship H3 rocket resulted in a failure on Friday, and that too, while the expected launch was being live streamed.&nbsp;Notably, the H3 rocket is Japan's first new medium-lift rocket in three decades. The flagship series was equipped with &nbsp;ALOS-3 land observation satellite and an experimental infrared sensor. H3,&nbsp;as reported, is capable of detecting North Korean ballistic missile launches.&nbsp;However, its launch had to be aborted moments before the lift off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan's space agency confirmed that the mission was aborted moments before the launch as the main engine of H3 rocket was cut off after the launch countdown had reached zero.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-real-reason-why-microsoft-backed-openai-developing-customizable-chatgpt-563016">The real reason why Microsoft-backed OpenAI developing customisable ChatGPT</a></p>

<p>Following the engine failure, the 57-metre (187ft) rocket fell on the ground at the Tanegashima spaceport along with its observational satellite payload.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-poland-belarusian-president-invites-biden-to-minsk-instead-to-end-the-war-563028">'Why Poland?': Belarusian president invites Biden to Minsk instead, to 'end the war'</a></p>

<p>The H3 project manager at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Masashi Okada, expressed regret for the launch failure. While speaking with media, he said, "A lot of people have been following our progress and we are really sorry."<br />
<br />
"It is really galling," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. <a href="https://t.co/q04XSKONQf">https://t.co/q04XSKONQf</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxGGllpLOd">pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd</a></p>
— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1626396356087627776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-rocket-boosters-fail-to-fire-resulting-in-cancellation-of-launch-562993">Japan: Rocket boosters fail to fire, resulting in cancellation of launch</a></p>

<p>The rocket launch was very crucial for Japan, as the country was pushing to gain greater pastures in the space sector and seizing opportunities in the face of rival successes, one being Elon Musk's SpaceX.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Japan's ambitious launch of its flagship H3 rocket resulted in a failure on Friday, and that too, while the expected launch was being live streamed. Notably, the H3 rocket is Japan's first new medium-lift rocket in three decades.

Japan's ambitious launch of its flagship H3 rocket resulted in a failure on Friday, and that too, while the expected launch was being live streamed. Notably, the H3 rocket is Japan's first new medium-lift rocket in three decades. The flagship series was equipped with ALOS-3 land observation satellite and an experimental infrared sensor. H3, as reported, is capable of detecting North Korean ballistic missile launches. However, its launch had to be aborted moments before the lift off. Japan's space agency confirmed that the mission was aborted moments before the launch as the main engine of H3 rocket was cut off after the launch countdown had reached zero. Also Read | The real reason why Microsoft-backed OpenAI developing customisable ChatGPT Following the engine failure, the 57-metre (187ft) rocket fell on the ground at the Tanegashima spaceport along with its observational satellite payload. Also Read | 'Why Poland?': Belarusian president invites Biden to Minsk instead, to 'end the war' The H3 project manager at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Masashi Okada, expressed regret for the launch failure. While speaking with media, he said, "A lot of people have been following our progress and we are really sorry." "It is really galling," he added. ABORT. Japan's H3 rocket aborted its inaugural launch moments before liftoff, following ignition of its main engines. https://t.co/q04XSKONQf pic.twitter.com/VxGGllpLOd — Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) February 17, 2023 × Watch | Japan: Rocket boosters fail to fire, resulting in cancellation of launch The rocket launch was very crucial for Japan, as the country was pushing to gain greater pastures in the space sector and seizing opportunities in the face of rival successes, one being Elon Musk's SpaceX. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | Japan aborts launch of flagship H3 rocket moments before lift off

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Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk

Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year

Japan forced to destroy flagship H3 rocket in failed launch

WATCH | Japan's new H3 rocket fails to lift off in first-ever launch attempt

Watch | Japan aborts launch of flagship H3 rocket moments before lift off