Research and Development Directorate
Testing New Technologies in Space
Accomplishments of the "Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1"
The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, implemented by the Research and Development Directorate, is designed to offer opportunities to private companies, universities and research institutions to demonstrate the parts, components, microsatellites, and CubeSats they have developed in space. The program seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Japan's space industry, foster startups in the space industry, and facilitate the use of space. This unprecedented program allows developers to demonstrate individual parts in space since the parts are incorporated into systems with JAXA's support. In this mission, for example, an innovative FPGA was installed in a camera processing component developed by JAXA so that it could be demonstrated in space.
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In January 2019, the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1, equipped with 13 demonstration themes selected through an open call, was launched to space by the Epsilon Launch Vehicle No.4. The missions were made up of 7 parts and components, 3 microsatellites, and 3 CubeSats-a truly varied collection including a lightweight solar paddle utilizing thin-cell solar cells and an entertainment satellite that produces "artificial shooting stars." "I'm relieved that the operation has been successful," says KANEKO Yutaka, Head of Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Group, about a year since the launch. "Thanks to the cooperation of everyone involved, all the parts and components onboard RAPid Innovative payload demonstration Satellite 1 (RAPIS-1)were able to reach their goals." The microsatellites and CubeSats are operated for different periods, and some are still undergoing demonstrations. RAPIS-1, which was used to carry the parts and components, will complete its operations in early FY2020 as planned. Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2, which is concurrently under development, is scheduled to be launched in FY 2021. |
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"We may see an increase in the number of entrants to the space industry as a result of the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program and open a path to a whole new society that makes use of outer space. I think the program's purpose is to serve as an opportunity for those working in other industries to tackle the space industry."
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