Created: 2024-01-27
Updated: 2024-03-02
Company - Orbital Lasers (Sky Perfect JSAT)
Product/Service
- Classification
- Miscellaneous
- Category
- Active Debris Removal (ADR)
- Status
- Development
- First launch
- Not announced
Satellite for Removing Space Debris with a Laser. SKY Perfect JSAT has partnered with RIKEN, Nagoya University and Kyushu University to start the design and development of the world’s first* satellite that uses a laser to remove space debris such as nonfunctional satellites. Services are scheduled to begin in 2026. During the early-phase of the study, JSAT will be supported by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
- The method is very safe because there is no physical contact.
- Fuel is not needed to move the space debris since thrust is generated by material vaporization and ionization of the space debris surface, making this the method highly economical . Since it is not necessary for the laser satellite to carry fuel for moving the space debris, this method is highly economical.
Through cooperation with RIKEN, which has a record of fundamental development for lasers, JSAT confirmed the feasibility of the technology by conducting a propulsion generation experiment*3 using laser ablation*4. In order to develop the main mission equipment for the satellite, the Satellite Orbital State Control Laser Laboratory was officially established in April 2020 as an integrated collaborative research system team within RIKEN.