ArkEdge Space Inc. is developing a 6U CubeSat, in collaboration with the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL) of The University of Tokyo, as part of the 6U microsatellite short-term demonstration project '6U Fast Validation CubeSat' of the National Space Organisation (NSPO) of Taiwan.
After making a proposal for the satellite's development, manufacturing, launch, and initial operations, ArkEdge Space was selected as a collaborative research partner by the NSPO.
Satellite launch and insertion
ArkEdge Space signed a joint research agreement with support from The University of Tokyo’s Institute for Open Innovation and has a long history of joint nano/microsatellite development and utilisation with ISSL.
Space BD Inc. will procure the launch and orbital insertion of the satellite, which will be released from the International Space Station in 2022.
6U CubeSat
The CubeSat will be developed utilising COTS products to realise low-cost and short-term development
The 6U CubeSat (100.0 x 226.3 x 366.0 mm) will be equipped with optical observation equipment developed by the NSPO to provide medium-resolution Earth observation in cooperation with the University of Tokyo’s microsatellite bus technology, including high-precision attitude control.
The CubeSat will be developed, manufactured, and operated utilising commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to realise low-cost and short-term development.
Applications
This low-cost development is expected to lead to many applications and business opportunities, including more efficient and frequent disaster and environmental monitoring.
Building on this opportunity, ArkEdge Space will further accelerate its overseas expansion by providing 6U satellite platforms to research institutes and commercial actors in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also promote the various businesses enabled by such CubeSats.