ArkEdge Space Inc. is pleased to announce that we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Paraguayan Space Agency (Agencia Espacial del Paraguay: ‘AEP’; Head office in Avenida Mariscal Lopez y 22 de Setiembre, Bloque B, Piso 7 Asunción; Minister President: Osvaldo Almirón Riveros) to start collaboration on space industry cooperation to realize a satellite constellation for SDGs,space utilization and sustainable development, using space data platforms.
Background and history
The Paraguayan Space Agency has close relations with Japan, and five engineers have received training at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) since 2018.
The ties between Paraguayan Space Agency and Kyutech have led to a relationship with ArkEdge Space, and in 2023 the General Director of Aerospace Development and Execution of the AEP, Alejandro Roman, visited ArkEdge Space as part of JICA’s training program, leading a delegation from the AEP. The Paraguayan Space Agency, which was also involved in Kyutech’s KITSUNE satellite mission, consider it important 6U IoT satellite missions due to the communication challenges in its rural areas. The Paraguayan Space Agency is also motivated to use the remote sensing data provided by ArkEdge Space, considering its application in agriculture and forestry, the country’s main industries.
Given this background, the MoU has a focus on the following two main initiatives:
Exploring possibilities for strategic partnerships
Using the satellite constellation developed by ArkEdge Space, we will explore the potential for strategic partnerships on demonstration opportunities for the SDGs in Paraguay, as promoted by the Paraguayan Space Agency. We will also promote research, business activities and collaborative research opportunities in Paraguay using remote sensing and satellite IoT communication technologies.
Solving challenges by utilizing the space data platform provided by Ark Edge Space.
The project will conduct a joint demonstration of several applications in Paraguay by utilizing the web-based space data platform provided by ArkEdge Space. Through this, we will build the capacity to contribute to the development and use of the platform in the country and support the Paraguayan Space Agency in building the necessary systems in the medium to long term to resolve the issues faced by Paraguay.
ArkEdge Space will continue to aim for ‘a future where anyone can do business with satellites’ by proposing new solutions that utilize its nano-satellite constellation technology.
Comment from Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space Inc.
The MoU with the Paraguayan Space Agency is a great honor and an important first step in realizing our mission to ‘create a safer and more prosperous future for people through satellites’ by promoting the use of satellite data. Through our satellite constellation construction and software technologies, we will contribute to building resilient, efficient, and safe infrastructure in South American countries and Japan. Furthermore, by sharing our experiences and learning opportunities, we will contribute to the development of the space industry and human resources in Paraguay, with the aim of further enhancing the future space programs of Paraguay
Comment from Osvaldo Almirón Riveros, Minister President of Paraguayan Space Agency
For the Paraguayan Space Agency, a new organization that is taking its first steps in space development, it is a great honor to establish an alliance with the company ArkEdge for the use of its satellite platforms, all with the purpose of increasing the capabilities of our human resources through the support of one of the most advanced countries on the planet in space sciences. Japan has been a strategic partner for Paraguay for decades, and through this alliance we have consolidated the art of “LEARNING BY DOING”. We are certain that we will continue working hard towards the noble objectives that aim to improve living conditions on our only planet. Rest assured that we will put our best efforts and dedication to learn, practice, socialize and consolidate this friendly relationship for a better world and to become a regional beam of light that guides along the path of progress and social development.
About the Paraguayan Space Agency
The Paraguayan Space Agency was created in March 2014 as an autonomous organization to design, propose and implement space and aerospace policies and programs in Paraguay. The Paraguayan Space Agency’s objective is to promote and manage the development of the country’s space activities and promote the innovation necessary to utilize space in a peaceful manner.
About Ark Edge Space Inc.
ArkEdge Space has established a multi-species, multi-satellite production system centered on the development of the world’s most advanced nano-satellites. The company is also developing a hardware business that includes the design and manufacture of nano-satellites, ground station maintenance and related components. In addition, it is a venture company that has developed a wide range of various businesses, including the provision of satellite operation services, related software development, education, and consulting. Aiming for ‘a future where anyone can do business with satellites’, the company will build satellite constellations for IoT communications, earth observation and oceanic VDES, as well as satellite constellations for lunar activities and deep space exploration. Finally, we will promote the development and use of space that is accessible to all through a business model that meets all kinds of space needs.