Flight models of AE5Ra, AE5Rb and AE5Rc (Parts of this image have been modified for intellectual property protection.)

Tokyo, Japan, December 1, 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, today announced the successful launch and initial checkout of its three satellites AE5Ra, AE5Rb, and AE5Rc. With this mission, the number of in-house developed and operated satellites has reached twelve.

The three satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (Transporter-15) at 3:44 a.m. JST on November 29, 2025, and were successfully deployed into their designated orbits. Later the same day, ArkEdge Space confirmed communications using test signals via its own ground stations, marking the start of the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). Over the coming months, the team will conduct initial operations and evaluate each satellite’s performance against defined success criteria.

This project builds on standardized satellite-bus design and production processes developed under a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) program initiated in FY 2021, and further advanced through the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) initiative launched in FY 2023 as part of the “Research and Development Project for the Space Industry Information Infrastructure (Development and Verification Support for Multi-Purpose Bus for Micro-Satellites).” These efforts enabled ArkEdge Space to design, manufacture, test, and operate multiple satellites simultaneously, leading to the successful three-satellite launch in this mission.

Beginning with AE1b, deployed from the International Space Station on December 9, ArkEdge Space has now placed a total of nine 6U class satellites into orbit over the past year and brought them into operation. This represents the highest number achieved by a Japanese entity during a 12-month period of time (internal analysis).

“Standardization is the foundation for sustainable and scalable space development,” said Ryohei Takahashi, CTO of ArkEdge Space. “Our 6U satellite bus enables simultaneous multi-satellite production and operation, delivering faster, more reliable access to orbit for missions addressing real-world challenges.”

ArkEdge Space will continue to enhance its standardized 6U satellite bus to enable more efficient design, manufacturing, and operation of multiple satellites, supporting broader and more accessible use of space. The platform serves as a common and modular foundation adaptable to a wide range of applications including disaster monitoring, maritime safety, environmental observation, and IoT connectivity.

By supporting faster and more efficient multi-satellite missions, the company aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable space utilization across public and private sectors and contribute to solving real-world social and environmental challenges.

Mission Overview
The AE5R series will conduct radio-frequency (RF) observation demonstrations focused on maritime situational awareness and safety. By analyzing various electromagnetic signals emitted from vessels and other maritime sources, this technology aims to enhance situational awareness and support safer maritime operations.

In addition to the RF observation mission, the three-satellite operation serves as an important milestone toward future constellation development. ArkEdge Space will also demonstrate satellite-to-satellite handover techniques, which will maintain continuous communication with ground stations as different satellites come into visibility. These demonstrations are essential for establishing a scalable and stable multi-satellite operational architecture.

This mission is being conducted as part of NEDO’s “Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program,” specifically, the project “Development and Demonstration of Oceanographic Situation Monitoring Technology through Satellite Constellations for Ships.”

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/