ArkEdge Space Inc. is developing a 6U CubeSat in collaboration with the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL) of The University of Tokyo as part of the 6U microsatellite short-term demonstration project “6U Fast Validation CubeSat” of the National Space Organization (NSPO) of Taiwan. After making a proposal for the development, manufacturing, launch and initial operations of the satellite, ArkEdge Space was selected as collaborative research partner by the NSPO.

ArkEdge Space signed a joint research agreement with support from The University of Tokyo’s Institute for Open Innovation, and has a long history of joint nano/microsatellite development and utilization with ISSL. Space BD Inc. will procure the launch and orbital insertion of the satellite, which will be released from the International Space Station in 2022.

The 6U CubeSat (100.0 x 226.3 x 366.0 mm) will be equipped with optical observation equipment developed by the NSPO to provide medium-resolution Earth observation in cooperation with the University of Tokyo’s microsatellite bus technology, including high-precision attitude control. The CubeSat will be developed, manufactured, and operated utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to realize low cost and short term development. This low cost development is expected to lead to a wide range of applications and business opportunities, including more efficient and frequent disaster and environmental monitoring.

Building on this opportunity, ArkEdge Space will further accelerate its overseas expansion by providing 6U satellite platforms to research institutes and commercial actors in the Asia-Pacific region, and promote the various businesses enabled by such CubeSats.