Tokyo, Japan, January 15st, 2025 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from design, development and operation of small satellite constellations, is pleased to announce the successful launch and operational start of its small satellites, AE1c and AE1d, developed as part of its 6U satellite bus system. The two satellites, which have been in development since 2021 have successfully established initial communication through test signals following deployment.
The AE1c and AE1d satellites were successfully deployed into their designated orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, Transporter-12 mission at 04:09 am on January 15, 2025, Japan Standard Time. Communication with both satellites was confirmed later that day through test signals received at the company’s Makinohara Ground Station in Shizuoka Prefecture. Following a few months of initial operations, both satellites will proceed to achieve the criteria outlined for each satellite.
This project was initially selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2021 and, from fiscal year of 2023 and beyond, has been funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) 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), and “Development and Demonstration of a 6U Standard Multi-purpose Bus and its Production and Operation System for Rapid and Efficient Production of Multiple Types of Satellites.” As a result, a standard general-purpose bus system for 10kg class 6U satellites, a mass production system, and an automatic operation system for multiple satellites have been established, and a multi-purpose satellite constellation consisting of seven satellites will be demonstrated in orbit using these systems by the fiscal year of 2025.
Following the recent deployment of AE1b (YODAKA) from the International Space Station, and with the commencement of operations for AE1c and AE1d, we have now initiated in-orbit operations for three out of seven planned satellites. This demonstrates our capability to utilize a variety of orbital deployment methods for future satellite missions.
With the insights gained from this project, ArkEdge Space will expand its 6U satellite platform offerings to government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector players worldwide. Through these efforts, we are committed to addressing global challenges and fostering a sustainable space industry. 
(reference) ArkEdge Space’s offerings of 6U multi-purpose satellite bus system
About AE1c
This mission utilizes the “standard model” of our 6U satellite bus system, which includes core functions of the satellite, built-in IoT communication capabilities, along with a customizable vertical mission section of over 3U. The mission module of AE1c will carry components from the customer of our hosted payload service, with an in-orbit demonstration of the payload planned. Following the AE1b, the second in-orbit operation of “standard model” will focus on data collection and operational refinement, paving the way for a stable and scalable rollout of our hosted payload service.
About AE1d
This mission features our 6U satellite platform in its“large antenna model,” equipped with a deployable antenna. We plan to conduct in-orbit demonstration of VDES (VHF Data Exchange System), along with verification of key technologies of our receiver systems. VDES is expected to serve as a next-generation maritime information infrastructure, enabling two-way digital communication with vessels via satellite and contributing to safer navigation and greater digitalization of maritime operations.
Upcoming Launch Schedule (as of January 2025) *subject to change
The launch schedule for small satellites utilizing the 6U multi-purpose bus system is as follows. Please note that this schedule is subject to change due to launch schedule and other factors.
Reference: Overview of the 6U Satellite Bus System
For more details on our 6U satellite bus system, please refer to the previous press release:
November 1st, 2024 – [Press Release] ArkEdge Space Completes Development of 6U Multi-purpose Satellite Bus System and Transitions to 7 Satellite Launch and In-Orbit Demonstration Phase
https://arkedgespace.com/news/multipurpose6usatellite