Rocket Lab 'On Closer Inspection' mission launch live coverage, on 44th Electron launch. Watch the Rocket Lab's launch and deployment of the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite for Astroscale Japan Inc.
Join AstroYonder for the LIVE coverage of RocketLab's, 'On Closer Inspection' mission. The mission is the first phase of an orbital debris removal program, and during this phase ADRAS-J is designed to test technologies and operations for approaching and monitoring debris objects, also known as space junk, and delivering data that will assist in removing it, to ensure the sustainable use of space for future generations. This mission, scheduled to launch during a 14-day window that opens on February 19th NZDT, is a significant step towards space sustainability. The mission will lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and will deploy the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) satellite for Astroscale Japan Inc. This mission is the first phase of an orbital debris removal program. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at the mission, the technology involved, and the future of space sustainability.

Don't miss out on this exciting event in the world of space exploration!

Mission Name: On Closer Inspection
Rocket: Electron
Launch Date: A 14-day Launch Window Opens on 19 Feb, 2024
Launch Time: NZDT | 03:52 (19 Feb), UTC | 14:52 (18 Feb), PST | 06:52 (18 Feb), EST | 09:52 (18 Feb)
Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand (Mahia Launch Complex/Spaceport)
Payload: ADRAS-J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan)

Rocket Lab's 44th Electron mission, known as 'On Closer Inspection', marked a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission is the second Rocket Lab's Electron launch of 2024, dedicated to Astroscale Japan Inc.

ADRAS-J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan) Satellite Deployment:
After launching on Electron, the 150-kilogram ADRAS-J satellite will approach an aged, derelict rocket stage in orbit to observe it closely, understand how it behaves and determine potential methods for its assisted deorbiting in future. The rocket stage it will be observing is the Japanese H-2A upper stage left in low Earth orbit after the launch of the GOSAT Earth observation satellite in 2009. ADRAS-J will fly around the stage, 11 meters long and four meters in diameter, inspecting it with cameras. After deployment from Electron, Astroscale’s full mission will take between three and six months to complete.

To enable the rendezvous with a non-cooperative space object requires a dedicated launch, highly responsive mission planning and extremely tight margins on orbital parameters. Rocket Lab only received the final perigee, apogee, and inclination from Astroscale 20 days before launch. Only then could argument of perigee targets for different days within the 14-day window be selected, essentially determining the timing of Electron Kick Stage burns to facilitate the unique elliptical orbit required depending on the launch date. The mission also demands highly accurate orbital insertion with tighter margins than required on most standard missions. In addition, the exact T-0 will only be defined the day prior to launch and the required LTAN accuracy only allows for +/- 15 seconds.

Live coverage of Rocket Lab launches can be viewed on AstroYonder. The live stream usually begins approximately T-30 minutes prior to the target T-0 time.

Electron 44: Rocket Lab’s First Launch of 2024, also known as the 'Four Of A Kind' mission, marked the beginning of a series of exciting missions for the year. RocketLab's 44th Electron launch named 'On Closer Inspection' mission. This mission is a pioneering effort in space debris removal and sustainable space use. The ADRAS-J satellite, developed by Astroscale Japan Inc., marking a significant milestone in orbital debris monitoring.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history in the making with Electron 44th Launch: 'On Closer Inspection' mission, Rocket Lab’s second Launch of year 2024. Tune in to our live stream and become a part of the revolution in the growth of the on-orbit servicing sector, pioneering advancements in Rendezvous and Proximity Operations!

Learn more about the mission and Rocket Lab: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/missions-launched/on-closer-inspection/

Check out our space video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS7LYCsUax-_0AaF1CmQJhxosqQ7DrZ7g

Join us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/astro_yonder?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Join us on X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/Astro_Yonder?t=d2wZuOcRjFUMDZ6fYks-RA&s=09

Join us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/astroyonder

Broadcast courtesy/Credit: Rocket Lab/Astroscale Japan Inc.

#live #rocketlab #electron #rocketlaunch #launch