Isar Aerospace has signed a launch service agreement with Astroscale Japan Inc. to launch the active debris removal mission ADRAS-J2 aboard its Spectrum launch vehicle. The mission is part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration project and is targeted for launch between 2027 and 2028 from Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch pad at Andøya Space in Norway.
The agreement marks Isar Aerospace’s second launch contract with the Astroscale group, following the ELSA-M In-Orbit Demonstration mission signed with Astroscale UK in March 2026. It also reflects demand for missions requiring precise orbital insertion and tailored launch profiles, capabilities Spectrum is designed to provide with up to one tonne of payload capacity to low Earth orbit.
ADRAS-J2 will demonstrate active debris removal by safely approaching and capturing a non-cooperative rocket upper stage. The target object is approximately 11 metres long, four metres in diameter and weighs around three tonnes.
“ADRAS-J2 is the kind of mission that defines the future of space operations. It requires precision, flexibility, and the ability to reach the right orbit at the right time. That is exactly what our launch vehicle Spectrum is built for,” said Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace. “We are delighted to be working with the global Astroscale group again on another pioneering mission. This second launch agreement reflects the confidence our customers place in our team and technology and deepens a partnership that is advancing the next generation of space missions.”
Nobu Okada, founder and CEO of Astroscale, said ADRAS-J2 is intended to achieve the world’s first removal of legacy space debris that has remained in orbit for decades and was not designed for removal.
“After more than half a century of human activity in space, the number of debris objects in orbit continues to increase, posing a growing threat to the long-term sustainability of the space environment,” Okada said. “Launch marks the beginning of this important mission, and we are pleased to partner with Isar Aerospace, whose launch flexibility and commitment to meeting our mission requirements make them a valuable partner for this landmark mission. We look forward to working together to deliver ADRAS-J2 into orbit.”
