~ Advancing the evaluation and commercialization of space situational awareness services using operational satellites ~
Star Signal Solutions Inc. (“Star Signal”) and Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the evaluation of space situational awareness (SSA)-related services and the future commercialization of such services. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to enhance the safety of satellite operations and contribute to the sustainable use of space.
By combining Star Signal’s technologies in space object observation, orbit determination, conjunction assessment, and collision avoidance support with Axelspace’s expertise in the development and operation of small satellites, the companies will evaluate the effectiveness of SSA services in real-world operational environments.
Star Signal is a startup that develops and operates core technologies essential for space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management and coordination (STM/STC), including space object orbit analysis, collision avoidance, and observation data processing. Axelspace operates both its satellite development and operation business, AxelLiner, and its Earth observation business, AxelGlobe, leveraging proprietary technologies for the design, manufacturing, and operation of small satellites.Under the MOU, Star Signal will advance the testing and evaluation of its prototype services with Axelspace’s cooperation in operational satellite environments. These services include its observation service for SSA and S-CAN, a navigation service that supports conjunction assessment and collision avoidance. The companies will also work toward the future commercialization and deployment of these services.
Star Signal has been selected under the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Space Strategy Fund Program as part of the second-phase technology development theme, “Technologies for Realizing Flexible Use of Space.” Through this initiative, the company is developing innovative technologies to cost-effectively and efficiently build a catalog of space objects, including debris smaller than 10 centimeters that has traditionally been difficult to observe and track. In parallel, Star Signal is conducting demonstrations aimed at the commercial utilization of these capabilities and contributing to the realization of next-generation SSA infrastructure that can help reduce collision risks for satellites and space stations.
As a collaborating organization in this research and development initiative, Axelspace will support the evaluation of satellite orbit determination technologies using optical satellite observation data and onboard GPS receivers (GPSR). The company will also contribute to research and development aimed at establishing an independent space debris observation and tracking capability.
Comment from Takashi Nagashima, Director of Axelspace
“As the use of space continues to expand at an accelerating pace, enhancing the safety of satellite operations is an important endeavor that supports not only individual satellites, but also the long-term sustainability of the space environment as a whole. Axelspace is advancing its efforts toward the sustainable use of space in accordance with the Green Spacecraft Standard, its own space sustainability standard that provides guidelines covering the entire satellite lifecycle. In addition to these efforts, through this collaboration, we will evaluate the effectiveness of space situational awareness services in an operational environment and contribute to safer and more sustainable satellite operations.”
Comment from Akihiro Iwaki, Co-Founder & CEO of Star Signal
“As space activities continue to expand rapidly, ensuring safety in space has become an essential foundation for the sustainable growth of the satellite business. We have been developing technologies and services that support the safe use of space, including space object observation, orbital analysis, and collision avoidance support. Through our collaboration with Axelspace, which has extensive experience in the development and operation of microsatellites, we will evaluate and validate our services through on-orbit satellite operations, further enhancing their reliability and practical value. By combining the strengths of both companies, we aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Japan’s space industry and contribute to the sustainable use of outer space.
Through this collaboration, Star Signal and Axelspace will work together to enhance the safety and reliability of satellite operations and advance the management of collision risks involving satellites and space debris. The companies will continue to promote technological development and practical implementation in the fields of SSA and STM, contributing to the establishment of the foundational infrastructure needed to support the sustainable use of space.
