Japan Active Debris Removal Framework

International Rules Initiative

• By March 2026, Japan developing legal and procedural frameworks for space debris removal
• Proposals to be discussed at UN COPUOS (Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) 2026
• Covers removal of rocket fragments, defunct satellites, and other orbital objects
• First nation to propose binding international ADR rules (not just guidelines)

JAXA CRD2 Program (Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration)

• Joint program between JAXA and Astroscale
• Phase 1 (completed): Rendezvous and proximity operations — acquired images of target debris within 15 meters
• Phase 2 (2027): Actual active debris removal demonstration — physical capture and deorbit
• Uses Astroscale's ADRAS-J successor spacecraft

Domestic Framework

• November 2021: Cabinet Office published Guidelines on License to Operate Spacecraft Performing On-Orbit Servicing
• Requirements for safe, secure, transparent on-orbit servicing operations
• Japan positioning as regulatory leader in ADR alongside technical capability

Significance

• Japan is the only nation with both active ADR demos AND proposed international rules
• CRD2 Phase 2 (2027) would be one of the first actual debris removal missions
• COPUOS proposal could establish global norms — critical because debris is a tragedy-of-the-commons problem
• Astroscale (Japanese company) is the global ADR market leader

Source: Japan Pushes for Global Rules on Clearing Space Debris — Orbital Today, 2025