Star Signal Solutions Inc. (Headquarters: Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiro Iwaki; hereinafter “Star Signal Solutions”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Look Up Space (Headquarters: Toulouse, France; CEO: Michel Friedling; hereinafter “Look Up”), a company specializing in radar-based observation of space objects and debris. The MOU aims to enhance the accuracy of tracking satellites and space debris in orbit.
The signing of this MOU will be announced in conjunction with the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Japan, scheduled for April 1, 2026, and represents a symbolic initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Japan and France in the space sector.
Launch of Technical Validation Combining Radar and Optical Observations
Under this collaboration, Star Signal Solutions and Look Up will initiate technical validation activities involving the comparative analysis of their respective optical and radar observation data.
By integrating these complementary observation modalities—optical and radar—the partners will evaluate new approaches to data utilization that leverage the strengths of each method. This effort aims to enhance interoperability and advance the capabilities of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) systems in both Japan and France.
Contributing to Space Safety, Sustainability, and Security
This initiative is expected to contribute not only to the safety and sustainability of outer space but also to the realization of practical Space Traffic Management (STM), incorporating increasingly critical security considerations.
The integration of observational data across different national and technological frameworks will support broader international SSA cooperation. It is anticipated to play a key role in enabling safe, sustainable, and stable utilization of the space environment.
Executive Comments
Akihiro Iwaki, CEO, Star Signal Solutions Inc.
“We have great respect for Look Up as a leading European player in radar-based space surveillance. This partnership brings together their radar capabilities and our optical observations to advance a more integrated global SSA framework.
We believe the future of space traffic management will be inherently multi-sensor and international. By combining complementary sensing technologies, we aim to deliver a level of accuracy and resilience that cannot be achieved by any single system.
This partnership represents an important step toward building a globally interoperable SSA architecture. Through this collaboration, we will accelerate the practical use of diverse observational data and contribute to safer and more sustainable space operations.”
Mr. Wataru Takahama,Director, Space Industry Office, METI
“At the 4th Meeting of the Japan–France Comprehensive Dialogue on space held in January this year, there were discussions on advanced initiatives to address space debris, as well as on the importance of promoting international rule-making through cooperation among allies and like-minded countries. From the perspective of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this Memorandum of Understanding is recognized as an effort that will further accelerate such advanced initiatives between Japan and France.
We expect that these efforts will contribute to the continued growth and development of the space industries of both countries.”
