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Space Technology Demonstration Research Center
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The center performs research on manufacturing a micro-size engineering test satellite for 20 kg- to 100 kg-class satellites over a short period of time with low costs. For making a mid- to large-size satellite more functional and reliable application of devices and components with new technologies is imperative. |
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Activities of Space Technology Demonstration Research Center
Micro-satellite development over short period with low cost

By making a common bus for 50 kg- to 100 kg-class micro-satellites, the time and costs required for their development can be lowered.
We can accommodate mission requests such as an attitude control method (including spin-stabilizing, three-axis zero momentum) and a satellite size based on the available launch capability for piggybacks.
Space verification prior to applying to project

(*1)
A micro engineering test satellite is regarded as a verification tool in space in a technical development cycle after preceding studies and prior to actually applying a new device or component whose prototype is tested for a project.
(*1) Preceding study, Feedback, Operation, Practical satellite, Prototype/test, Space verification, Micro-satellite, Project application
Human Resource Development

JAXA utilizes a micro-satellite project for human resource development by conducting such a project in house and allowing JAXA employees to lead such a project from its designing phase to operation phase.
Research contents
100 kg-class micro engineering test satellite
The small Demonstration Satellite-1 (SDS-1) was launched as a secondary satellite of the main payload, GOSAT with other small satellites on January 23, 2009. The SDS-1 is equipped with the following three major mission instruments.
- Multi-mode integrated transponder (MTP)
- Space wire demonstration module (SWIM)
- Advanced microprocessor in-orbit experiment equipment (AMI)
* After completing its regular operation phase and post-operation phase, the SDS-1 stopped its data link to the ground on Sep. 8, 2010.
50 kg-class micro engineering test satellite
The Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) is a 50 cm x 50 cm box-shaped satellite with the following mission instruments onboard. It was launched as a secondary payload of the GCOM-W1 on May 18, 2012. Other 50 kg-class satellites are the Micro-Labsat launched in December 2002, and SOHLA-1 launched in January 2009, developed through technological transfers to Astro Technology SOHLA as part of collaborative activity of industry and academia. The SDS-4 is a 50 kg-class three-axis stabilization satellite applying technologies verified by the above 50 kg-class satellites and SDS-1.
- Space based Automatic Identification System Experiment (SPAISE)
- Flat Heat Pipe (FHP) On-orbit Experiment (FOX)
- In-flight experiment of space materials using THERME (IST)
- Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)

SDS-4 (Imaginary drawing)