Your Ultra-compact Satellite Takes off into Space!

To expand the use of space development, develop human resources, and create space businesses,
JAXA provides opportunities to launch ultra-compact satellites by H-IIA/H3 rockets and
Epsilon rockets and to release them from the International Space Station "Kibo."

01. Innovative satellite technology demonstration program

・Details are here

02. H-IIA rideshare launch

At present, we are not accepting applications.

03. International Space Station’s deployment of “Kibo”

・Details are here

04. Expansion program

・Details are here

Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program

* Details for Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4 applications are here

Contact for applications and inquiries regarding Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4

3-2-1 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0062
Japan Space Forum (JSF)
Application desk for the Demonstration Themes for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program
E-mail:jaxa_kakushin@jsforum.or.jp

*This work is supported by the Japan Space Forum (JSF) on behalf of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).



JAXA accepts applications year-round for demonstration theme proposals for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program.
*Selection results for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 are here

This program is a part of the Basic Plan on Space Policy to strengthen the infrastructure supporting space activities, including industrial, scientific, and technological infrastructure. This program provides opportunities to demonstrate new elemental technologies using micro-compact satellites, also other technologies that lead to new businesses, to achieve the following goals.

[A]
By conducting space demonstrations of new satellite elemental technologies, flexible satellite development methods, and innovative mission/system technologies, sustainably maintain and develop technological and industrial platforms that support the space field, and the acquisition and strengthening of international competitiveness in the satellite industry.
“Strengthening International Competitiveness”

[B]
To lower the hurdles for new private-sector companies and others to enter the space industry by ensuring opportunities for regular demonstration in space, to promote the revitalization of the space industry. These will lead to progress in the mutual use and collaborations by private-sector companies that have newly entered the sector and contribute to the creation of new innovations.
“Space Industry Revitalization”

[C]
By securing opportunities that facilitate the development and demonstration of challenging and high-risk satellite technologies/missions, we aim to promote the venture business in the aerospace industry and nurture talented human resources in the field of space.
“Business Promotion and Human Resource Development”

In addition, JAXA aims to realize the following through this program.
1. Conduct demonstrations of technology and ideas that contribute to the creation of missions that lead to the development of new uses and systems/sub-systems that boast industry competitiveness by reading the future while addressing issues in Japan and in industrial circles.
2. Although there is a high degree of risk, prioritize the tackling and demonstration of “innovative” technologies that promise a high degree of results in the development of space technology in Japan and the securing of international competitiveness in the field of space.

01. Demonstration themes open for application

・Parts, components and sub-systems
・Small satellites (50 kg satellite)
・Small satellites (CubeSat system)
*The size of a CubeSat will be 1U to 3U, 6U, and 12U. Given the new development of a separation mechanism or the use of new non-E-SSOD existing deployers, the proposal of space demonstrations using 6U and 12U requires exceptionally high significance.


02. Application details

Demonstration theme to be verified in orbit in the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program
See details in “4. Key application points”


03. Application period

・Applicants are accepted throughout the year

・Details for Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4 applications are here


04. Application requirements

See the application instructions here for details, including for the terms and condition of application for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4.
Applicants for demonstration themes will undergo preliminary screening by JAXA after which they will be registered to the demonstration theme candidate list.
(Once a person has proposed a demonstration theme and be registered to the candidate list, their name will not be deleted without permission.)


05. Inquiries regarding year-round open applications should be sent to the address below

4-6 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8008
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Application desk for the Demonstration Themes for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program
E-mail:ICCCINQUIRY@ml.jaxa.jp
Note: Replace the full-width “@” with a half-width at-mark symbol to send the email.

The submission of application documents and inquiries should be sent by email to the above address.
Prior to making an inquiry, make sure to carefully read the application instructions. Please understand that it may take time for us to get back to you.

H-IIA rideshare launch(free arrangement)

Provide opportunities to launch an ultra-compact satellite via a rideshare with H-IIA

JAXA aims to expand space exploration and utilization in Japan. With the goal of contributing to education and the training of human resources through the use of ultra-compact satellites, JAXA is providing opportunities for free launches of ultra-compact satellites, manufactured by a private-sector company or university (free arrangement).

*At present, we are not accepting applications.



H-IIA rideshare launch(arrangement for a fee)

Provide opportunities to launch an ultra-compact satellite via a rideshare with H-IIA

At JAXA, we conduct the trial implementation of “arrangements for a fee” as a project to provide opportunities to launch an ultra-compact satellite at cost, in addition to providing opportunities for conventional free launches, as our goal to materialize demand in Japan that focuses on industrialization for the creation of new businesses that use ultra-compact satellites, including use by private-sector companies for commercial purposes.

*At present, we are not accepting applications.


EXAMPLE

Examples of use