JAXA concludes partnership-type contract for Phase II of its
Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2)
August 20, 2024 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has contracted with Astroscale Japan Inc. for Phase II of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) project (*1) on August 20.
JAXA is advancing the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) program in two phases (Phase I and Phase II) with the goal of pioneering new space business in space debris removal to ensure sustainable space activities. In Phase I, key technologies for rendezvous and proximity operations relative to non-cooperative targets (*2) were demonstrated. Images showing the motion, damage, and degradation of debris were also acquired. (*3) In Phase II, on-orbit demonstration of large space debris removal technology will be performed utilizing the technologies and knowledge obtained in Phase I.
Through this project, JAXA will contribute to the development of new space businesses, the competitiveness of private Japanese companies, and the realization of sustainable space activities.
(*1)
In Phase II, as in Phase I, the contract has been concluded as a partnership-type attempt to leave discretion to the private sector and develop its competitiveness in the market. Thus, the private company will proactively develop spacecraft and demonstrate technologies based on its business strategy, and JAXA will provide technical support in the form of research and development results, technical advice, and test facilities.
(*2)
Space debris is a "non-cooperative target" for those who approach and capture it, because it lacks its own orbit determination and attitude control capabilities, and any interface for capture. Rendezvous and proximity operations to this type of target are technically much more difficult than rendezvous docking between operational spacecraft designed for that purpose.