Japan's Astroscale to Inspect Two Dead Satellites in 2027, Pioneering Space Debris Management

In 2027, Japanese company Astroscale will launch the ISSA-J mission, aiming to conduct the first-ever inspection of two defunct satellites across different orbital paths with a single spacecraft. This groundbreaking endeavor seeks to address the escalating problem of space debris, which poses a significant threat to active satellites and future space operations. The mission will utilize Astroscale's ELSA-M servicer, equipped with advanced autonomous navigation and sensing capabilities, to gather critical data on the condition and behavior of aging orbital cast-offs. Successfully inspecting multiple targets in varied orbits is a vital precursor to developing and deploying active debris removal technologies. The ISSA-J mission represents a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the space environment and safeguarding vital space assets for scientific, commercial, and security purposes, underscoring a proactive global approach to orbital stewardship.