ASCA

ASCA (Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics) was an X-ray astronomy spacecraft that studied distant active galaxies, sources of the cosmic X-ray background, and other phenomena. The mission was developed by the Japanese Institute of Space and Astronautical Science with significant U.S. contributions, including NASA.

past Mission

Type

Space telescope

Launch

Feb. 20, 1993

Wavelength

X-rays

DecommissioneD

July 15, 2000

The gold ASCA spacecraft with its black solar panels rests in the center of the frame with a purple background.

This artist's conception shows the ASCA spacecraft.

Credit: JAXA

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