Tokyo, Japan, June 11, 2025 — ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations, is pleased to announce the successful in-orbit operation of hosted payload mission aboard its in-house developed microsatellite AE1c. The satellite operated according to its schedule, and all predefined objectives were successfully achieved through operations conducted using test radio signals.
This achievement marks a further milestone in ArkEdge Space’s operational track record in hosted payload services and further strengthens its readiness to support a broader range of future space missions.
Hosted payload service offered by ArkEdge Space enables customers to mount their own systems—such as propulsion units, sensors, or experimental equipment onto micro-satellites developed and operated by the company, offering them access to on-orbit operation opportunities. This allows customers to reduce the technical and operational barriers of satellite development, launch, and operation, and it also enables them rapid and efficient demonstration and performance validation in the space environment. The service is expected to encourage broader participation in space activities and expand the ecosystem of the space industry.
For this mission, ArkEdge Space integrated PBR-10, a microscale water-vapor-based propulsion system developed by Pale Blue Inc. (“Pale Blue”) as a hosted payload onboard AE1c. The primary objectives of the mission were to acquire in-orbit operational data and verify the propulsion system’s functionality. ArkEdge Space led the full scope of the process—from the design and development of bus system, to mission system integration and operational support. Both the satellite and the propulsion system performed nominally, and the targeted operational outcomes were successfully achieved.
For more information about PBR-10, please refer to Pale Blue’s white paper:https://pale-blue.co.jp/jpn_news/642/
This project was initially selected in the fiscal year of 2021 under a funding program supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Since the fiscal year of 2023, it has been advanced as part of the “Research and Development Project for Information Infrastructure Improvement for Space Industry Technology (Development and Verification Support for Multi-purpose Bus for Nano-Satellites), specifically “the Development and Demonstration of a 6U Standard Multi-purpose Bus and Its Production and Operation System for Rapid and Efficient Production of Multiple Satellite Types”—administrated by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
“We are delighted to have supported the successful in-orbit operation of Pale Blue’s PBR-10 through our hosted payload service,” said Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space. “This mission exemplifies the value we aim to deliver, and we remain committed to enabling our customers to demonstrate and operate their space technologies in-orbit through this offering.”
Building on its proven track record and engineering expertise in satellite development and operations, ArkEdge Space will continue to provide hosted payload services tailored to the diverse needs of government agencies, research institutions, and commercial partners in Japan and internationally. By making access to space more flexible, efficient, and accessible, we hope to contribute to a safer and more prosperous future.
About ArkEdge Space
ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations—from planning and design to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission of “empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” the company is advancing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, and low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through our mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application.
Head Office Location
3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takayoshi FUKUYO
Founded: in July 2018
Website: https://arkedgespace.com/