Japan deploys nets to clean up space debris.
Japan successfully launched a cargo spacecraft carrying a net-like wire capable of altering the trajectory of space debris.
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| Japan successfully launched a spacecraft carrying space debris removal equipment. Photo: AP. |
Japan Aerospace Agency JAXA successfully launched the HTV6 cargo spacecraft from the Tanegashima Space Center on December 9th. HTV6's mission is to transport a large magnetic levitation cable to the International Space Station (ISS) to collect space debris, according to UPI.
"The launch vehicle flew on schedule. The HTV6 spacecraft successfully separated approximately 15 minutes and 11 seconds after launch," JAXA announced.
Scientists estimate that there are approximately 100 million pieces of space debris orbiting Earth. Most of them are quite small. However, even a screw hurtling through space could cause significant damage to satellites and space stations.
The Japanese device was manufactured to address this risk. It was developed by engineers at JAXA with the assistance of researchers from a fishing net manufacturing company. This magnetic wire is made from thin stainless steel and aluminum wire combined into a device shaped like a net.
The mesh-like wire will be launched into space by the space station's robotic arm. It will generate enough force to affect the trajectory of space debris, redirecting it toward Earth's atmosphere, where the debris will burn up.
According to VNE
