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. Part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration project, ADRAS-J2 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 highlights the increasing demand for missions that require precise orbital insertion and tailored launch profiles, capabilities Spectrum is designed to deliver with up to one ton 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 measures approximately 11 meters in length, four meters in diameter and weighs around three tons.

Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace, said: “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. 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 a pioneering mission that aims to achieve the world’s first removal of legacy space debris that has remained in orbit for decades and was never 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. 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.”