Tokyo, Japan, March 31, 2026 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Tokyo-based space start-up delivering micro-satellite constellations from design to operations, announced the successful launch of its micro-satellite AE1a on March 30, 2026 (JST), and has begun initial checkout following the establishment of communications through test radio signals.
AE1a was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on the Transporter-16 mission at 20:02 JST on March 30, 2026, and was successfully inserted into its target orbit. On the same day, ArkEdge Space confirmed communications through test signals at the company’s ground station. Following several months of initial operations, AE1a will work toward achieving its success criteria.
AE1a was developed as part of two NEDO-supported programs: the Research and Development Project for the Establishment of a Space Industry Technology Information Infrastructure, which supports the development and demonstration of a standardized small satellite bus, and the Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross-Community Collaboration Program (K-Program), which focuses on the development and demonstration of maritime situational awareness technologies using a satellite constellation for ship communications.
Through these programs, ArkEdge Space has achieved the simultaneous operation of eight satellites, bringing its total to nine operated to date. Operating through two domestic ground stations and international ground station partnerships, each satellite maintains stable operations and continues to deliver mission results.
About AE1a
AE1a micro-satellite (external view)
AE1a is a technology demonstration satellite developed to advance maritime digitalization by enabling wide-area, real-
time vessel tracking and communications. The satellite adopts ArkEdge Space’s standardized 6U satellite bus in its large-antenna configuration. In addition to demonstrating a deployable antenna for VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) applications, AE1a will improve and validate core technologies for a VDES receiver.
AE1a will operate in coordination with AE1d, which began operations in January 2025, and AE3Va, which began operations in June 2025, forming a three-satellite constellation for demonstration across wide-area maritime areas.
With the addition of AE1a, the program will move beyond prior reception-focused demonstrations and, for the first time, enable transmission demonstrations from orbit. This is expected to enhance the scope and sophistication of VDES testing, accelerate progress toward the digitalization of maritime operations, and contribute to the validation of practical use cases in the maritime sector.
VDES Demonstration Progress
AE3Va, launched ahead of AE1a, continues to acquire AIS signals across multiple sea areas, including waters around Japan and vessel-congested areas along critical shipping lanes. Accumulated reception data is being systematically verified and analyzed.
Going forward, the program will advance from reception-focused demonstration to two-way communications, including transmission from orbit. This will enable satellites to deliver operational information directly to vessels, expanding the scope of VDES demonstration and advancing progress toward concrete use case validation across the maritime sector.
AIS signal reception data acquired by AE3Va
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/