Japanese and Australian teams use lasers to search for space debris the size of peanuts

It is reported that Japanese startup EX Fusion will soon reach an agreement with Australian space contractor Electric Optical Systems to conduct on-site testing of technology for tracking small space debris orbiting Earth.

Image source: Leolabs

EX Fusion, headquartered in Osaka, specializes in the laser business with the goal of achieving commercial laser fusion reactors. So far, nuclear fusion research and development have been carried out by the Japanese government, and the progress of research and development has been greatly constrained. Therefore, EX Fusion has built itself into a Japanese laser fusion energy startup, accepting high development risks and accelerating the technological development required for commercialization. It utilizes the most advanced optical control technology and knowledge gained during the implementation of commercial laser fusion reactors to promote technological development in the energy and various industrial fields. EX Fusion participated in the Australian laser technology application research project.

EX Fusion is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during the visit of Japanese Minister of Economy, Industry, and Trade, Yasuo Nishimura, to Australia. Its representatives come from 11 start-up companies and accompanied Nishimura on a visit starting on Friday.

Two companies will pilot technology that can detect space debris as small as 3 centimeters (approximately the size of peanuts) using lasers. The EOS group space surveillance system located in Australia will accommodate a surveillance device that combines components provided by EX Fusion and EOS.

Space debris orbiting the Earth has become a burden as it may collide with satellites and cause damage. Many private companies are seeking to track space debris, but 5 centimeters is considered the theoretical limit of detection. The Australian government has been fully supporting the aerospace industry. Space technology has always been considered a part of national security, but what a country can do alone is limited. The Japanese government hopes to use the partnership between EX Fusion and EOS as a starting point for expanding cooperation with Australia, and Australia's public and private sectors are conducting research and development on space technology.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission announced this week that it will impose a fine on a company that keeps retired satellites in low Earth orbit. It is understood that this is the first time the agency has imposed such fines on space waste companies, which will put pressure on other operators to clean up space waste.

Source: OFweek