ASCA 1
ISC's first reusable rocket for launching satellites. The company is starting with vertical takeoff and landing tests in the US, using engines from Ursa Major.
Why it matters
Reusing rockets is the main way launch costs have come down. ISC says its ASCA 1 test mission would be the first vertical takeoff and landing rocket test by a Japanese private space startup.
How the technology works
ISC announced in June 2025 a vertical takeoff and landing test mission in the US, and in July 2025 agreed to buy additional Ursa Major engines for the ASCA 1 series. It is also building its own engines: an engine fed by Ebara's electric turbopump ran ignition tests in January 2026.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction