Tokyo, Japan, Feb 7, 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, announces that its 6U class Earth observation satellite, ONGLAISAT, developed in collaboration with Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL) of the University of Tokyo, headed by Professors Nakasuka, Funase, and Ikari (“The University of Tokyo”), has successfully achieved one of the world’s highest ground resolutions, ranging from 2.5 to 3 meters in the CubeSat category.
As part of TASA’s “6U Fast Validation CubeSat” project for short-term demonstrations of 6U class Cubesat, ONGLAISAT successfully conducted an in-orbit demonstration of TASA’s optical observation system. This was made possible by a satellite bus developed by ArkEdge Space, which incorporates high-precision attitude control technology jointly developed with The University of Tokyo.
Following the establishment of communication with ArkEdge Space’s Makinohara Ground Station in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan via test radio signals on December 10, 2024, ONGLAISAT successfully completed its two-month orbital demonstration phase, meeting all mission objectives related to its optical system.
Key Achievements
- Successful imaging demonstration with a newly developed optical system
- Validation of advanced TDI (Time Delay Integration) [1] imaging sensor technology
- Successful demonstration of onboard image processing technology
- Verification of advanced satellite bus technology, including high-precision attitude control
[1] TDI is a technology that enhances image brightness and clarity by synchronizing sensor exposure with the satellite’s motion, effectively accumulating light intensity for sharper and clearer imaging.
In collaboration with The University of Tokyo, we successfully integrated these advanced systems into the satellite while developing high-precision attitude control for TDI imaging, precise temperature regulation, and other advanced satellite operation technologies.
ONGLAISAT Demonstration and Key Innovations
Mission logo of ONGLAISAT
The ONGLAISAT mission successfully demonstrated four critical and innovative technologies, marking significant advancements in small satellite optical systems:
1. Imaging Demonstration with a New Optical System
For the first time, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) incorporated a Korsch off-axis optical system into a satellite optical payload. While the design, manufacturing, and assembly of this system require advanced technical expertise, the mission successfully miniaturized the system while improving optical performance.
2. CMOS TDI Image Sensor Demonstration
This mission successfully validated a CMOS TDI image sensor, developed by the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI), a division of the National Applied Research Laboratories.
3. Onboard Image Processing Demonstration
Traditionally, transmitting high-resolution images from satellites to Earth was constrained by limited communication bandwidths, leading to delays in data transmission. ONGLAISAT successfully demonstrated onboard image compression technology, enabling faster transmission of high-resolution images, improved image analysis, and enhanced data processing and application efficiency.
4. Verification of Advanced Satellite Bus Technology
TDI imaging demands exceptional attitude control to maintain image stability down to the pixel level, while precise temperature management is critical for ensuring the optical system’s accuracy. This mission successfully proved both capabilities in orbit.
The results of this demonstration—including world-class ground resolution, enhanced image clarity through TDI, and efficient data compression via onboard processing—as well as the advanced satellite technology required to achieve them can be applied not only to 6U class CubeSats but also to larger spacecraft in future missions.
ArkEdge Space remains committed to applying these cutting-edge technologies to drive the creation of highly competitive satellites and innovative space solutions for the global market.
Reference Press Releases
ONGLAISAT Operational Launch
Dec. 10, 2024 – [Press Release] “ArkEdge Space Successfully Establishes Communication with Two 6U Multi-purpose Satellites: AE1b and ONGLAISAT Deployed from the ISS — Moving Towards Full Operational Phase —”
Read more at: https://arkedgespace.com/en/news/2024-12-10_ae1b_yodaka_onglaisat
ONGLAISAT Mission Overview
Nov. 6, 2024 – [Press Release] “ArkEdge Space Successfully Launches and Delivers of Two 6U Class Satellites, AE1b and ONGLAISAT to the ISS”
Read more at: https://arkedgespace.com/en/news/2024-11-06_ae1b_yodaka_onglaisat
About ArkEdge Space
ArkEdge Space is a space startup that provides comprehensive 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 projects 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 technology and its 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/