Tokyo, Japan, November 6, 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, has successfully validated satellite short message communication using compact, battery-powered IoT terminals. The live demonstration represents a major step toward the global deployment of ArkEdge’s IoT satellite constellation services.

During the 11th UNISEC-Global Meeting, ArkEdge Space conducted a live demonstration in which a simple, battery-operated ground IoT terminal transmitted short messages to one of its satellites. The messages were instantly downlinked and received by the company’s ground station, demonstrating the practicality of satellite-based IoT communication to participants from thirteen countries and highlighting its potential to connect regions beyond terrestrial network coverage.

Data Collection through IoT Satellite Constellations
Across land and sea, countless sensors collect vital information on weather, oceans, logistics, and the environment. Traditionally, this data has relied on terrestrial mobile or internet networks. However, in remote or offshore regions without such infrastructure, data acquisition remains limited.

To bridge that gap, ArkEdge Space has equipped its satellites with low-power, long-range IoT communication modules capable of transmitting data directly from sensors in regions without terrestrial connectivity. The company has successfully completed technology demonstrations using this system, relaying data from sensors deployed in remote and oceanic locations through its satellites to ground stations.

These demonstrations have confirmed the technical foundations needed for commercialization, and ArkEdge Space is now preparing international proof-of-concept and commercial missions across multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, and South America.
Building on these achievements, the company will accelerate the deployment and global expansion of its IoT satellite constellation, creating a sustainable infrastructure for wide-area, continuous monitoring that connects communities and industries in both developed and remote regions.

Outreach at NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025 and the 11th UNISEC-Global Meeting
NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025, held from October 28 to 30, is one of Asia’s largest space business conferences, bringing together government officials, space agencies, academia, and private companies from around the world. At the event, ArkEdge Space, in collaboration with the non-profit organization CROSS U, invited international partners to join the development of satellite and ground systems for the IoT constellation, focusing on partnerships in Africa to strengthen regional connectivity infrastructure.

Session: “Horizons of Co-Creation — Advancing Japan–Africa Collaboration in Space Business”

The UNISEC-Global Meeting, a non-profit and non-governmental organization, promotes the use of space science and technology by individuals and institutions in both developed and developing countries. Since its first edition in 2013, the 2025 event marked the 11th gathering.
During the four-day meeting (November 1–4), ArkEdge Space presented the concept, architecture, and development methodology of its IoT satellite constellation, including the design of satellites and compact ground terminals, to encourage international co-development and regional utilization.

Participants joined hands-on sessions such as antenna fabrication training, live demonstrations of data transmission from IoT terminals to satellites, and exhibits of IoT sensors and systems. These activities sparked strong interest and led to mission proposals from international teams seeking to leverage IoT satellite constellations for various regional applications.

The demonstration used the AE-1c satellite, developed under a project initially adopted with the support of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in FY2021 and further promoted from FY2023 under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)’s Space Industry Technology Information Infrastructure Development Program. This program supports the development and in-orbit demonstration of standardized 6U class satellite buses and the establishment of efficient mass-production and operational systems.

Future Outlook
Building on the momentum from NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025 and the 11th UNISEC-Global Meeting, ArkEdge Space will continue to strengthen collaboration with partners worldwide. The company aims to deliver higher-quality services and accelerate the global deployment of space-based data collection solutions.

ArkEdge Space is also carrying out proof-of-concept projects in Japan and overseas for a next-generation geospatial information platform that integrates satellite data with IoT sensor data from the ground. This platform will deliver tailored insights for diverse users and support data-driven decision-making.

Through these ongoing efforts, ArkEdge Space seeks to contribute to solving global challenges such as connectivity gaps and environmental monitoring, while also fostering the next generation of talent driving the future of space-enabled digital infrastructure.

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/