A Chinese space mining start-up launched into low Earth orbit a robot prototype that can scoop up debris left behind by other spacecraft with a big net.
The NEO-01, which will also peer into deep space to observe small celestial bodies, was launched on the government's Long March 6 rocket along with a handful of satellites, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
"The 30kg robot developed by Shenzhen-based Origin Space will pave the way for future technologies capable of mining on asteroids", – according to the company.
China's space program, NEO-01 satellite (China). Animation by Xinhua.
Unlike Astroscale's technology, which uses magnets to gather up space junk, NEO-01 will use a net to capture debris and then burn it with its electric propulsion system, according to a report on the company's website.
Xinhua reported on Saturday that China was stepping up efforts to land a probe on a near-Earth asteroid to collect samples, and also expediting a plan to build a defence system against near-Earth asteroids.
China's space program, NEO-01 satellite (China). Animation by Xinhua.
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