DRUMS

DRUMS
NamesDebris Removal Unprecedented Micro-Satellite
Mission typeTechnology demonstration
OperatorKawasaki Heavy Industries
COSPAR ID2021-102E Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.49399Edit this on Wikidata
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries
Launch mass62 kg (137 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date9 November 2021, 00:55 UTC
RocketEpsilon
Launch siteUchinoura Space Center
ContractorJAXA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit (planned)
RegimeSun-synchronous orbit
Perigee altitude560 km (350 mi)
Apogee altitude560 km (350 mi)
Inclination97.6°

DRUMS (Debris Removal Unprecedented Micro-Satellite) is an experimental spacecraft that will test proximity operation near space debris. The microsatellite carries two 'mock space debris' which once deployed will be used as a target for demonstrating approach and contact.[1]

  1. ^ Nakamoto, Hiroki; Maruyama, Tatsuya; Sugawara, Yasutaka (9 December 2019). Key Technology Demonstration for Active Debris Removal by Microsat "DRUMS" (PDF). First International Orbital Debris Conference. Universities Space Research Association. Retrieved 24 September 2021.