Tokyo, Japan, August 31, 2026 – ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Tokyo-based space start-up delivering micro-satellite constellations from design to operations, today announced that ONGLAISAT, a 6U-class Earth observation satellite co-developed by ArkEdge Space, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), and the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL) of the University of Tokyo, has won the Small Satellite Mission of the Year Award, presented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Small Satellite Technical Committee.
This marks the first time a mission developed with the participation of a Japanese company and university has received the Small Satellite Mission of the Year Award.
It is also the first time a mission involving TASA has received the award. [1]
ONGLAISAT was selected as a finalist for the 2026 award based on its on-orbit achievements in 2025 and was subsequently named the winning mission by the Small Satellite Technical Committee, informed by a public vote. The winner was announced during the Small Satellite Conference in the United States.
ONGLAISAT brought together technologies from TASA, the University of Tokyo, and ArkEdge Space, integrating high-precision attitude determination and control with an advanced optical observation system on a compact 6U satellite platform weighing approximately 10 kg. The mission achieved 2.44-meter ground resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 100 using both 8-stage and 16-stage Time Delay Integration (TDI) imaging.
ONGLAISAT demonstrated in orbit the potential for compact, lower-cost 6U-class platforms to deliver high-resolution optical Earth observation capabilities traditionally associated with larger satellites. This demonstration, along with the mission’s advanced system-level integration of high-precision attitude control, an optical payload, and onboard processing, helped earn the mission this recognition.
About the Small Satellite Mission of the Year Award
The Small Satellite Mission of the Year Award, presented by the AIAA Small Satellite Technical Committee, recognizes missions that have made significant contributions to advancing small satellite capabilities.
Finalists are selected from nominated missions, after which the Small Satellite Technical Committee selects the winning mission, informed by a public vote. The winner is announced during the annual Small Satellite Conference in the United States.
ONGLAISAT was selected as a finalist for the 2026 award based on its on-orbit imaging and technology demonstration achievements in 2025.
Key Achievements of ONGLAISAT
ONGLAISAT is a 6U-class Earth observation satellite that integrates a satellite bus incorporating high-precision attitude determination and control technologies jointly developed by the University of Tokyo and ArkEdge Space with an optical payload developed by TASA.
Following its deployment from the International Space Station in December, 2024, ONGLAISAT conducted a series of on-orbit demonstrations. After completing initial operations and commissioning, the satellite began full-scale imaging operations in 2025, achieving the following key results:
- 2.44-meter ground resolution Earth observation imagery from a 6U-class satellite
- SNR exceeding 100 using both 8-stage and 16-stage TDI imaging
- On-orbit demonstration of the high-precision attitude determination and control required for stable TDI imaging
- More than 100 imaging operations conducted over approximately two months following initial operations
- On-orbit demonstration of an integrated system combining an optical payload, high-precision attitude control, and onboard image processing
TDI is an imaging technique that improves image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by accumulating signals on the image sensor in synchronization with the satellite’s motion. Achieving high-quality TDI imagery requires precise and stable attitude control throughout the imaging process.
ONGLAISAT achieved attitude control accuracy on the order of several hundred arcseconds during imaging, providing the stable pointing required for TDI operations. By combining this capability with its optical observation system within a compact 6U-class spacecraft, the mission successfully acquired Earth observation imagery with both high spatial resolution and high SNR.
In February 2025, ArkEdge Space announced the successful acquisition of Earth observation imagery with a ground resolution of 2.5 to 3.0 meters from ONGLAISAT. Subsequent imaging operations and analysis confirmed further mission performance, including 2.44-meter ground resolution and SNR exceeding 100 during TDI imaging.
Comment from ArkEdge Space CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo
“This award reflects the collective efforts of TASA, the University of Tokyo, and everyone who contributed to the development and operation of ONGLAISAT. We are proud to have worked alongside such outstanding partners and that our satellite development and operations expertise contributed to the mission’s success.
My sincere appreciation goes to everyone who supported ONGLAISAT. We will apply the experience and achievements of this mission to future satellite development and continue working with partners in Japan and around the world to build space infrastructure that supports society and industry.”
[1] Based on ArkEdge Space’s review of past recipients of the AIAA Small Satellite Mission of the Year Award.
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/