A company that focuses on removing space junk has captured a remarkable photo of a space junk from a 50 meters distance.
Astroscale’s ADRAS-J satellite, launched by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket in February 2024, captured close-up images of a discarded H-2A rocket upper stage.
This 11-meter-long (36 feet) piece of space debris has been orbiting Earth for nearly 20 years as part of Japanese JAXA’s CRD2 program.
First Space Junk Photo
Astroscale’s space junk image marks the world’s first image of space debris.
Astroscale said the picture will help the researchers devise a plan for the safe removal of the decades old space junk.
6,000 Tons of Space Junk in Space
Space debris poses a significant hazard to satellites and astronauts on the International Space Station with scientists calling for strict oversight.
NASA estimates around 6,000 tons of space junk orbit Earth, traveling at high speeds, resulting from defunct satellites, rocket parts, and collisions.
