Japanese company Astroscale is taking bold steps in space sustainability with its upcoming mission to inspect defunct satellites in various orbits. This mission, called In‑situ Space Situational Awareness-Japan 1 (ISSA-J1), is set to launch in 2027 and will focus on two retired Japanese satellites.
The ISSA-J1 spacecraft, weighing about 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms), aims to gather crucial insights about its targets—specifically, the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) and Advanced Earth Observing Satellite‑II (ADEOS‑II). ALOS, launched in 2006, lost power in 2011, while ADEOS‑II’s mission ended in 2003 due to a solar panel failure. Both satellites remain in orbits that are vital for Earth observation.
“On-orbit inspection provides critical insight into the condition of satellites that cannot be obtained from the ground,” explained Nobu Okada, managing director of Astroscale Japan. This mission will show how space technology can help operators understand the health of outdated satellites.
According to a recent report from the European Space Agency, space debris is a growing concern. There are over 36,500 pieces of debris measuring 10 cm or larger in low Earth orbit. Effective inspections and strategies like ISSA-J1 could play a pivotal role in enhancing space safety.
Astroscale’s mission will involve detailed visual inspections of the targeted satellites. This includes approaching ALOS, observing it, and then moving on to ADEOS‑II, all within a single mission. This method not only saves time but also demonstrates new capabilities. The company emphasizes that understanding these objects’ conditions is essential for future satellite servicing and debris removal.
Astroscale was chosen for this mission by the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, highlighting the country’s commitment to improving space situational awareness. In addition, Astroscale plans another mission named ELSA-M, focused on orbital debris removal, scheduled for 2027.
With the increasing number of satellites launched each year, projects like ISSA-J1 could greatly enhance our understanding of space and make it safer for future missions.
For more information on space sustainability efforts, you can check out the European Space Agency’s report on space debris [here](https://www.esa.int).
