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Astroscale to Launch 2027 Mission for Satellite Inspection

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Astroscale, the Japanese company, plans to launch the ISSA-J1 mission in 2027 to inspect two defunct satellites, ALOS and ADEOS-II, in different orbits.
The 1,430-pound spacecraft will use thrusters and imaging systems to inspect satellites more closely than ground observations.
This mission follows ADRAS-J, which captured close-up footage of a spent rocket stage.
The Japan Ministry of Education selected Astroscale to enhance Japan's space situational awareness and in-orbit servicing capabilities.

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Story summary

Astroscale, the Japanese company, plans to launch the ISSA-J1 mission in 2027 to inspect two defunct satellites, ALOS and ADEOS-II, in different orbits.
The 1,430-pound spacecraft will use thrusters and imaging systems to inspect satellites more closely than ground observations.
This mission follows ADRAS-J, which captured close-up footage of a spent rocket stage.
The Japan Ministry of Education selected Astroscale to enhance Japan's space situational awareness and in-orbit servicing capabilities.