ASCA (ASTRO-D) X-ray observatory spacecraft
ASCA (ASTRO-D), also called Asuka, was Japan's X-ray astronomy observatory launched in 1993. Atmospheric expansion associated with solar activity caused loss of attitude control in July 2000, ending science observations. The spacecraft continued operating with minimal functions until atmospheric reentry on March 2, 2001.
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Identity
- Aliases
- ASCAASTRO-DAsuka1993-011A
- Family Name
- ASCA
- Full Name
- ASCA (ASTRO-D) X-ray observatory spacecraft
- Roles
- orbiterobservatoryresearch
- Status
- retired
- Type
- spacecraft
Details
- Description
- ASCA (ASTRO-D), also called Asuka, was Japan's X-ray astronomy observatory launched in 1993. Atmospheric expansion associated with solar activity caused loss of attitude control in July 2000, ending science observations. The spacecraft continued operating with minimal functions until atmospheric reentry on March 2, 2001.
- First Flight Year
- 1,993
- Last Flight Year
- 2,001
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Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 14, 2026 at 00:31:21 UTC
- Updated Time
- October 17, 2026 at 00:37:46 UTC