Tokyo, Japan, June 3, 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 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (“KSAT”), a global leader in ground segment and satellite operations services, to establish a strategic partnership in the microsatellite sector.
Through this partnership, ArkEdge Space aims to accelerate the development of a robust business foundation essential for the global deployment of commercial microsatellite services.
From left) H.E. Mr. Espen Barth EIDE, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway,
Rolf Skatteboe, President and CEO of KSAT, Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space
Jun Kazeki , Director-General of the National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office,
Overview
The MoU outlines the following areas of collaboration to strengthen global microsatellite operations and advance next-generation missions:
- Ground Station and Operations Integration: Exploring opportunities for joint development and utilization of ground station infrastructure—including regions beyond Asia—and exploring cooperation in satellite operations.
- Satellite Technology and Data Sharing: Assessing opportunities for mutual collaboration in satellite bus and payload technologies, as well as mission data exchange.
- Japan–Norway Cooperation: Exploring opportunities for bilateral collaboration in satellite data utilization and scientific missions.
“KSAT is excited to be working with ArkEdge Space and has been following the growth and ambitions since its inception”, said Kenneth Olafsson, Representative Director of KSAT Japan. “We see many opportunities and synergies that will be important to foster and support in many areas such as maritime applications, technology development and even Lunar mission operations. Scalability of small satellites and constellation management is a key element in our joint cooperation. ArkEdge Space is involved in a variety of programs such as the VDES program, comet interceptor and Lunar navigation development .”
“We are delighted to launch this new initiative with KSAT to build a more flexible, scalable satellite operations framework beyond the Asia-Pacific region”, said Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space. “By combining our strengths, we anticipate strong synergies in satellite bus technology, payload integration, and mission data sharing. This partnership also serves as a strategic bridge between Japan and Norway in advancing space science and innovation. ArkEdge Space remains committed to cross-border collaboration in satellite data and scientific missions while continuing to pioneer new value creation in the global space industry.”
About KSAT
Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading provider of Ground Network Services and Earth Observation Services. We connect Space and Earth from Leo and beyond.
KSAT owns and operates a global, integrated Ground Station Network combining the unique polar location with a vast and rapidly expanding mid-latitude stations. The network consists of more than 300+ antennas located at 28 sites worldwide. KSAT offers reliable space to ground communications delivered from the global ground station network with full mission life-cycle support from testing, through launch, command and control, critical operations, and routine operations.
https://www.ksat.no
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/