> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.japanearthobserver.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # JEO 23 - News Roundup - 31 Oct 2026 - URL: https://www.japanearthobserver.com/jeo-23-news-roundup-31-oct-2026/ - Published: 2026-10-31T12:36:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-31T12:35:59.000Z - Description: Topping this news roundup, H3 flight 10 launches the Martian Moons Explorer (MMX) toward Mars. - Author: Robert Cheetham - Tags: News *Welcome to Japan Earth Observer (JEO), a monthly newsletter about the space, Earth observation and geospatial industries in Japan.* Topping this news roundup, H3 flight 10 launches the Martian Moons Explorer (MMX) toward Mars, plus the usual funding and contract announcements, science, international collaborations, and conferences. On to the news… ## News & Announcements ### H3 No 10 launches MMX to Mars The successful [H3 launch of the Martian Moons Explorer (MMX) mission to Mars](https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/japan-launching-bold-sample-return-mission-to-mars-moon-phobos-today-watch-it-live?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Space.com\] has attracted a lot of global attention, and it probably won't be news to most people. So I'd like to highlight a few key points I've observed about this important mission. Phobos is a tiny moon, just 20 - 30 km in diameter, orbiting at about 6,000 km from Mars, about one-sixtieth the distance between Earth and our moon. ![01-mars-moons-phobos-nasa.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/01-mars-moons-phobos-nasa.png) Phobos. Source: NASA MMX is the largest, heaviest, and most ambitious interplanetary mission spacecraft Japan has ever attempted. The spacecraft measures 5.3 meters tall, 9 meters wide and weighs about 4.5 metric tons. ![02-mmx-spacecraft-configuration-jaxa.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/02-mmx-spacecraft-configuration-jaxa.png) MMX launch and Mars transit configurations. Source: JAXA Launching the MMX pushed the capabilities of the H3 rocket to its limits. The H3-24L model with the long fairing has four strap-on solid rocket boosters and is the highest capacity H3 launch configuration. MMX could not have been launched without the H3, but COVID-related delays and an early launch failure of the H3 delayed the MMX launch by 2 years. The optimal window for a Mars trip only opens every 26 months, so these early delays in H3 readiness pushed the schedule significantly. If the 5 year mission succeeds in returning a sample from the Phobos moon to the Australia desert in 2031, it will be an historic accomplishment for humanity: the first time material will be returned from Mars. ![03-mmx-h3-f10-config.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/03-mmx-h3-f10-config-1.png) H3 flight 10 used the H3-24L configuration with 4 boosters and a long fairing. Source: JAXA Japan built and launched both the rocket and the MMX spacecraft, but it had critical support from international partners. NASA has contributed a key sensor, MEGANE, one of two sample collectors and its deep space tracking and communications network. ESA also provided access to its deep space network. DLR and CNES built a rover that will be landed on Phobos. Like many of the most complex scientific endeavors today, success means collaboration with partners. The rover created by the German and French space agencies is called IDEFIX, after the dog in the “Asterix” comic. When it lands on Phobos, the gravitational pull is so small that it will weigh less than one thousandth of its weight on Earth. It will likely bounce around before it settles, so it has an innovative mechanism for rolling itself into an upright position, [regardless of how it lands](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a0e8AKOWg0&ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[YouTube\]. ![04-mmx-idefix-rover.jpg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/04-mmx-idefix-rover.jpg) The IDEFIX rover can land on any side and turn itself upright. Source: DLR/CNES MMX will arrive at Mars in August 2027\. It will then enter an orbit from which it can observe Phobos and scope out potential landing sites. In late 2028 or early 2029, it will approach Phobos and drop off IDEFIX, which will roam around the tiny moon for 100 days with MMX relaying the data it gathers. In 2030, MMX will approach Phobos again, descend to the surface, and collect a sample, possibly hopping to a second location to collect more. Then it will be time to return to the Earth, where it will drop off a capsule for a parachute landing in the Australia desert. ![05-mmx-transfer-orbits-jaxa.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/05-mmx-transfer-orbits-jaxa.png) MMX transfer and Mars system orbital plan. Source: JAXA This is not the first attempt at a Phobos sample return mission; Russia attempted to send its [Fobos-Grunt sample return mission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fobos-Grunt?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Wikipedia\] in 2011, but the mission failed shortly after launch and it never set off for Mars. This sample return mission has not been framed as a race with China, but China expects to launch its [Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianwen-3?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Wikipedia\] in the next Earth-Mars transit window in 2028 with a plan to return collected material in 2031 as well. ### Four Axelspace GRUS-3 satellites fail Axelspace has announced that [the high speed communications system on four of its seven new satellites have failed](https://www.axelspace.com/news/grus3%5F20260929/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Axelspace\]. These seven satellites were only just launched on July 7, and this particular failure mode means that the satellites can capture imagery but they cannot easily send it down to Earth. The failure has been [attributed to the power amplifier circuit](https://space-connect.jp/grus-3-defect/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] in the data downlink system due to damage from inadequate heat dissipation. The same component was used without issues in the GRUS-1 series of satellites, so this is probably a flaw in the thermal design specific to GRUS-3\. The fault has occurred on satellites 3B, 3E, 3F, and 3G. That leaves three of the seven GRUS-3 satellites functioning, but if there is a systematic problem, then the remaining three are likely similarly fragile. ![06-axelspace-grus-3-and-patch.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/06-axelspace-grus-3-and-patch.png) GRUS-3 satellites and mission patch. Source: Axelspace Since normal image downlink operations are now impossible but all of the other satellite subsystems are operating normally, Axelspace will try to figure out a way to make use of imagery that can be downlinked from the low-speed telemetry data link. The three remaining GRUS-3 satellites share the same design, so Axelspace plans to run them one at a time with reduced power consumption and shorter downlink times in order to limit heating. The failure investigation and mitigation measures will push out the commercial operations start date from late 2026 to February 2027\. GRUS-3 series satellites were designed for 5 years of operation. Further, Axelspace's revenue projections and recent partnership announcements (Airbus) are all based on this constellation. Axelspace will still have some of its GRUS-1 series satellites and the three remaining GRUS-3, but [GRUS-1e was shut down in July](https://www.axelspace.com/news/grus1e%5Ftermination%5Fof%5Fcommercial%5Foperations/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Axelspace\], and the remaining lifetime on these first generation satellites is unclear. This event will have significant near- and medium-term [financial consequences](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21148?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\]. The firm will book an impairment charge of ¥1.879 billion in Q1 FY2027\. It has also cut full-year guidance from ¥9.0B to ¥6.7B, and projects net losses widening from ¥240M to ¥3.65B. However, the plan for a 30-satellite constellation by the end of FY2031 remains in place. Axelspace's share price fell by 40% on the news and has continued to decline since then. ![07-axelspace-stock-price.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/07-axelspace-stock-price.png) Axelspace stock price since announcing the failure in late September. Source: Google. Axelspace has [established a "GRUS-3 Fault Investigation Advisory Board"](https://www.axelspace.com/ja/news/advisoryboard1015/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Axelspace\] that will carry out an independent root-cause analysis and recommend both design changes for future satellites and project governance improvements. The members, who will serve in a personal capacity, are: - Nakasuka Shinichi, Professor at Ritsumeikan University - Koyama Hiroshi, Chief Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric - Kusawake Hiromasa, JAXA S&MA General Manager - Yajima Masanobu, JAXA Research Unit I Director - Okamoto Atsushi, JAXA Research Unit II R&D Manager A report to the Axelspace Board of Directors is expected in about 45 days and commercial service will not start until remedies are adopted by the company's Board. **My take.** I'm deeply skeptical of many so-called "root cause analysis" efforts. There is rarely an easily identifiable root cause, there is a natural tendency to want to assign blame, and assigning blame interferes with honest assessments and learning. The best recent example I've seen of blameless post-incident analysis was carried out by [ispace after its lunar lander failure](https://www.ispace-inc.com/2026/03/27/external-review-task-force-delivers-report-following-conclusion-of-hakuto-r-mission-2/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[ispace\]. Ispace leveraged the CAST (Causal Analysis based on Systems Theory) technique to structure the investigation. CAST is frequently used to structure airline crash and other human systems catastrophes. In ispace lunar lander scenario, a laser rangefinder component was the proximal cause, but they dug deeper into management, procurement, partners, corporate governance and other areas that could be improved and then laid it all out [in a public presentation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d0IZfL4EWk&t&ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[YouTube\]. ![08-ispace-mission2-failure-investigation.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/08-ispace-mission2-failure-investigation.png) Summary of ispace investigation and recommendations at management, systems development, and operational levels. Source: ispace I hope Axelspace shares its findings publicly in a similar manner. The type of detailed public disclosure carried out by ispace benefits everyone in the industry; we all learn more from failure than from success. And given that the fault investigation board members are serving in a personal capacity, public disclosure would be a way to both honor their work and enable their labor to serve as a contribution to the broader ecosystem. **Are you interested in learning more about CAST for failure investigation? Check out these resources:** - Nancy G. Leveson, MIT - 2019 - *Cast Handbook: How to Learn More from Incidents and Accidents* - Summary of Leveson book on [GitHub](https://github.com/joelparkerhenderson/causal-analysis-based-on-system-theory?ref=japanearthobserver.com) ### Even a Busted GRUS-3 Satellite can still be useful Axelspace has revealed the first customer for its AxelLiner Lab (AL Lab) service. This is a new service offering that provides on-orbit demonstration opportunities on Axelspace satellites. This is important for new satellite component developers because they often face a Catch-22: "space is hard" and no one wants to buy components until they have successful flight experience (also known as "flight heritage"), but it's tough to get flight experience when you don't have your own satellites. Axelspace sees this as a market opportunity and offers flight test opportunities on its satellites. The initial iteration of this offering is a reaction wheel assembly (used for attitude control) they have co-developed with ASPINA Shinano Kenshi. The first reaction wheel assembly was installed on one of the seven GRUS-3 satellites launched on 7 July. Reaction wheel units are complex devices and usually both expensive and have procurement lead times measured in years. This reaction wheel module has been under development since 2020, and Axelspace and ASPINA aim to reduce lead time for 100 kg class satellite modules to 2-3 months. The test unit is installed on one of the four GRUS-3 satellites that has experienced a data transmission fault, but that system failure will not prevent the testing of this component. They get to use a busted satellite for a good purpose. ![09-axelspace-aspina-reaction-wheel-component.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/09-axelspace-aspina-reaction-wheel-component.png) Axelspace-ASPINA reaction control wheel module. Source: Axelspace. ### Solafune to launch its own satellite Solafune, a Japanese data analytics firm, [plans to develop and launch its own Earth observation satellite](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/aerospace-defense-industries/japanese-data-analytics-startup-solafune-to-launch-ai-satellite?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[NIkkei Asia\]. Solafune normally applies its AI and other analytic techniques to satellite imagery captured by government and commercial constellations as well as open data. We often see satellite firms move beyond data capture and sales to developing capabilities to produce analytics and other data products, but it is exceedingly uncommon for a data analytics firm to move back along the value chain to capture satellite EO imagery with its own satellites. Still, as small satellite capabilities grow and launch costs fall, it is becoming more feasible for data consumers to become data producers. A single satellite isn't going to replace the multiple constellations that Solafune is likely using today but it might help to fill in critical gaps. Their press release cites the standard use cases that are ubiquitous in public statements in Japan - environmental conservation, resource management, and disaster prevention - so it's tough to understand the specific underlying business logic. But by building their own satellite, Solafune may be following Wayne Gretzky's advice and simply [skating to where they think the puck is going to be](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/where%5Fthe%5Fpuck%5Fis%5Fheading?ref=japanearthobserver.com). Rocket launches are likely to be in short supply and more expensive for the next couple of years, but there is a lot of capacity under development, and prices may fall quickly as new, high capacity, reusable rockets come online. And Solafune will not be building the satellite on their own; they will be working with Tohoku University with a goal of launching by the end of the decade. ![10-solafune-edge-ai-satellite.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/10-solafune-edge-ai-satellite.png) Diagram of Solafune satellite plan. Source: Solafune ### JAXA is hiring ArkEdge for two Lunar Navigation Missions **JAXA** has selected **ArkEdge Space** through a competitive bidding process for an effort to design a [receiver that can demonstrate interoperability across multiple lunar positioning satellite systems](https://payloadspace.com/jaxa-taps-arkedge-for-two-lunar-navigation-demos/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Payload\]. As plans for lunar bases, rovers, orbiters, and other lunar missions take shape, civilian space agencies are planning to build infrastructure that will provide similar affordances to key digital services we have on the Earth. Two high priority infrastructure elements will be a network of communications satellites and a network of positioning and navigation satellites. **ispace** is planning to develop [Lunar Connect, a lunar communications constellation](https://ispace-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260327-Lunar-Connect-Service-FINAL.pdf?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[ispace\]. ArkEdge, at least for now, will be taking the lead on Japan's contribution to a navigation system that will provide services similar to GPS, QZSS, and Galileo for the lunar surface. Under this new contract award, which will run through June 2029, ArkEdge will design a universal receiver capable of seamlessly using the three different positioning sources being developed by Japan, NASA, and ESA. In addition to signal interoperability, ArkEdge will have to develop the mass, power, and heat dispersal configuration, an interface with rover systems, and a development and risk management plan. While NASA, ESA, and JAXA are all developing communications and positioning infrastructure, they are doing so through a coordinated process that leverages shared standards that are collectively known as the [LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS)](https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-navigation-program/lunanet-interoperability-specification/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[NASA\]. It includes: - Common navigation signal - the Augmented Forward Signal (AFS) will provide positioning, navigation, and timing services. - Network communications will combine existing internet protocols with the Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN) Bundle Protocol for data relay across the lunar and Earth segments. ArkEdge had an advantage on this bid: they have also been awarded the contract to design Japan's satellite element for positioning and navigation. So they'll be designing both the signal and receiver. ![11-arkedge-lunanet-rover-receiver.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/11-arkedge-lunanet-rover-receiver.png) Concept diagram of a lunar rover receiving positioning signals. Source: ArkEdge ### Proposed Space Budget for FY2027 The **Cabinet Office** has unveiled a [draft FY2027 space budge](https://sorabatake.jp/47014/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[sorabatake\]. This is the first budget under Prime Minister Takaichi's new investment framework "Strong and Prosperous Japan" (「強く豊かな日本」投資枠) in which ministries can request growth-oriented investment without a budget ceiling. The proposed budget includes ¥535.7 billion within this frame. The headline growth is only about 3%, but it includes some major shifts. - Cabinet Office: +178% - Cabinet Secretariat: +93% - MEXT: +21% - MIC: −72% after a one-time FY2025 supplement Some key priorities include: - The **Space Strategy Fund** will get ¥128.65 billion in new funding across MIC, MEXT and METI, but on an annual basis, it dropping from the ¥200 billion in FY2026 - **QZSS navigation constellation** will get ¥86.98 billion to replace older units, replace satellite No 5 lost last December and build toward an 11-satellite constellation. This higher level of spending will likely be necessary for several years to complete the constellation. - ¥17.78 billion and a ¥88.9 billion multi-year commitment for FY2027–FY2031 by the Cabinet Office to **procure five years of government-satellite launches** in order to provide private sector predictability. - ¥1.64 billion pooled at the Cabinet Office for **R&D investment**. - ¥1.55 billion for surveys, administration, and additional staff at the **National Space Policy Secretariat** - **Government as an anchor EO data customer** gets ¥1.0 billion for smallsat SAR government data trials, ¥30.4 billion for MOD image-analysis data as well as MLIT satellite surveying and MAFF smart agriculture, land-use imagery. - **Defense and intelligence** is the biggest item with intelligence satellites, space domain awareness, and satellite-based maritime surveillance getting major boosts. - **Rockets, launch sites, and test facilities** will get ¥91.8 billion - **Lunar and space exploration** ambitions will get ¥90.4 billion at MEXT including work on Toyota's pressurized rover and the HTV-X cargo ship - The **GOSAT series of climate satellites** get ¥4.6 billion and the **next generation Himawari weather satellite** development gets ¥1.9 billion ![12-fy2027-space-budget-draft.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/12-fy2027-space-budget-draft.png) FY2027 space budget request. Source: Cabinet Office In addition to the budget increase, the Japanese government has accelerated work on a revision of the Space Basic Plan (宇宙基本計画) with a summary set for December 2026, a draft outline early in 2027 and committee approval around May 2027, followed by Cabinet decision. Some key themes may include responding to international competition and framing the space industry as national infrastructure and as a core national industry ### 🛰️ Technology and Infrastructure - **Hayabusa2**'s [last engine is malfunctioning](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/01/japan/science-health/hayabusa2-last-engine-breaks/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Japan Times\]. Following another successful asteroid rendezvous mission in July, JAXA has reported that an electric thruster on the Hayabusa2 deep space probe began malfunctioning in August. This is one of four thrusters on the spacecraft, but after a very extended mission, it was the only one that remained fully operational. JAXA is going to try to restore function on the thruster by borrowing some working circuits from the other three thrusters, but it's unclear if they will be able to restore enough function to make the maneuvers necessary to reach its next planned objective: asteroid 1998 KY26 in 2031. ![13-hayabusa2-engines.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/13-hayabusa2-engines.png) Artist rendering of Hayabusa2\. Source: JAXA - **Innovative Space Carrier (ISC) (将来宇宙輸送システム)** conducted its [first ground combustion of an electric-pump-driven liquid rocket engine](https://space-connect.jp/isc-engine-60/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] at the Asahi Kasei Aibano test facility in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture. The data from the tests supports ISC's ASCA reusable launch system. ![14-isc-engine-test.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/14-isc-engine-test.png) ISC liquid rocket engine on the test stand at Asahi Kasei. Source: ISC - Relatedly, **JAXA** and **Innovative Space Carrier (ISC)** have kicked off a collaborative research project aimed at [developing reusable rocket technologies by using a J-SPARC agreement](https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2026/10/20261014-1%5Fj.html%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com). J-SPARC stands for "JAXA Space Innovation through Partnership and Co-creation". This is a special type of contract that enables JAXA to work with private firms to carry out joint research. In a U.S. context, it would be similar to a CRADA (Cooperative Research And Development Agreement). This particular collaborative research effort is aimed at improving the technology for modeling engines, landing mechanisms, airframe deformation and strain, and engine pressure and fuel flow rates. ISC has developed spacecraft design models for ASCA, a family of reusable launch vehicles and space planes to provide both LEO satellite launch and point-to-point suborbital cargo and passenger transportation. ISC will contribute these models as references while JAXA will use the test data from the spacecraft to improve the accuracy of its analytical models and develop a general-purpose modeling technology that can be used for any spacecraft design. JAXA will then provide technical support on how to best apply the new modeling and analysis technology to ISC's launch vehicle and spacecraft development efforts. The whole project is part of the overall effort to accelerate the development of Japan's space transportation capabilities, particularly around reusable rockets. JAXA is leading development of a reusable rocket through the RV-X and CALLISTO projects but a public-private collaboration like this could accelerate both efforts. ![15-isc-asca-reusable-roadmap.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/15-isc-asca-reusable-roadmap.png) ISC ASCA reusable rocket development roadmap. Source: ISC - **Nippon Electric Glass** has announced a [new ultra-thin space-rated solar glass called "BDX-3"](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21152?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Space Media\]. Thinner glass is lighter weight, but despite that, the new glass both suppresses radiation damage and blocks more ultraviolet light than previous glass. - **MIERUNE** has [released a new QGIS plugin that can convert DM data](https://www.mierune.co.jp/news/g1xy55a-j?ref=japanearthobserver.com) (数値地形図) to the GeoPackage open data standard. DM is a Japan-only data format used widely in surveying work and normally requires specialized software before it can be used in other general geospatial tools. In addition to converting DM data, the plugin can transform the JGD2011 coordinate system to other coordinate systems. - On October 9, **Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro** announced that the **Ministry of Defense (JMOD)** will begin [examining the potential for a "responsive space transportation capability"](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21233%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\] (即応宇宙輸送能力). It is likely that a major conflict in the future will begin with destruction of satellite assets, and there will be a need to restore them quickly. - *What does this mean?* The U.S. has been challenging satellite and rocket launch providers to demonstrate the ability to launch within 24 hours notification, and Rocket Lab recently pulled off this feat. But it's a nontrivial capability, and Japan currently struggles to launch with months of notice. But as recent shenanigans by a [Russian satellite maneuvering near a U.S. commercial SAR satellite](https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/10/russian-spacecraft-maneuvers-in-extreme-proximity-to-satellite-used-by-ukraine/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Ars Technica\] have demonstrated, this is not an idle concern. And if Japanese launch providers can build toward this type of responsiveness, it will be beneficial for more than defense purposes - sustainable and frequent access to space is a core need for commercial purposes as well. - **ispace** has won a competitive bid from **JAXA** to [design a Lunar Solar Power Tower](https://www.ispace-inc.com/2026/10/22/ispace-selected-by-jaxa-for-conceptual-design-of-lunar-solar-power-tower/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[ispace\]. A “lunar solar power tower” seems like it would demand a visual, but the ispace press release did not provide one. However, Blue Origin recently unveiled their concept for the same idea, and that's what we're showing below. The Blue Origin Power Tower would be a [20-meter-tall, vertically deployed solar array](https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/blue-origin-unveils-huge-power-tower-to-boost-solar-electricity-on-the-moon-video?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Space.com\] system designed to provide more than 10 kilowatts of power for Moon Base operations at the lunar south pole. The idea is that a network of these would send power to a lunar station. JAXA is clearly laying plans for supporting a similar capability. - *Why a tower?* Current NASA plans call for a lunar station near the Moon's south pole, where sunlight will arrive at low angles. Elevating the array will gather more sunlight. The new ispace contract will cover conceptual design of the tower, a power distribution system, and interfaces for lunar landers. Strategically, this is a chance for ispace to move beyond lunar landers and rovers and take a step toward being a utility provider of power infrastructure, communications, and positioning services. - However, it's worth noting that ispace was not the only recipient of JAXA funding for a lunar power tower. **Mitsubishi Electric** was awarded a similar contract and also has additional, related funding to support solar cells and arrays research, supply lithium-ion batteries to the (now defunct but perhaps repurposed) Lunar Gateway, and also contributes to related wireless power transfer research. ![16-blue-origin-solar-power-tower.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/16-blue-origin-solar-power-tower.png) Illustration of Blue Origin solar power towers on the moon. Source: Blue Origin - **SKY Perfect JSAT** has [unveiled *AQUANA*](https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/jp/news/20261022%5F1?ref=japanearthobserver.com), a new service that can automatically extract flooded areas from a single post-disaster synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite image in as little as 30 minutes. Conventional methods compare two or more SAR images from before and after a flood event. AQUANA requires no archived pre-event imagery and can process images from a variety of SAR satellites in about 10 minutes. The remaining time covers the flooding analysis and generation of results. JSAT says they are pursuing a patent and want to sell the service globally. The new AQUANA product also builds on another service JSAT released in 2022 called *LIANA*, for Land-deformation and Infrastructure ANAlysis. LIANA also uses SAR data to monitor ground deformation on slopes and infrastructure. JSAT is a major shareholder in QPS Holdings, which operates the iQPS SAR constellation. - *What does this mean?* SAR imagery is complex to use and interpret. Moreover, SAR data can be subtly different between different satellite constellations. In addition to public SAR satellites like Japan's ALOS series, ESA's Sentinel 1 satellites, and the NASA/ISRO NISAR mission, there is an array of private firms including: ICEYE, TerraSAR-X, COSMO-SKyMed, Umbra, Capella, Synspective, and iQPS. We need more tools like this that can work with multiple SAR sources and generate results that are easy to understand and interpret. While I personally would like to see open source tooling that supports work with a range of SAR data sources, I don't blame JSAT for building something proprietary and selling it. There is a market for this. ### Spaceports - **Taiki Town (大樹町)** in Hokkaido has [finished the main construction work for Launch Complex 1 (LC1)](https://hokkaidospaceport.com/news/2309?ref=japanearthobserver.com) at the **Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)**. LC1 is Japan's first launch site developed by a municipal government. It is also the first publicly owned launch site run under a concession arrangement. Taiki Town owns the site and facility, and **SPACE COTAN** now holds the operating rights and under a recently signed agreement, they have already started management and operations (see below). Construction on LC1, which was designed for rockets launching small satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO), began in 2022 and is finishing on schedule. The site includes a Vehicle Assembly Building, propellant storage facilities, launch pad, and a flame trench to deflect rocket engine exhaust. Under the "open to private industry" concept, each launch operator will build its own launch-specific equipment. **Interstellar Technologies (IST)** is the first operator, and it is currently building its own propellant plant and related facilities. ![17-hokkaido-spaceport-lc1-from-the-air.jpg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/17-hokkaido-spaceport-lc1-from-the-air.jpg) Hokkaido Spaceport LC1 seen from the air in October. Source: Hokkaido Spaceport - **Town of Taiki (大樹町)** has been building out and operating the **Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)** over the past few years. Effective 1 October, it is [turning over day-to-day operations to **SPACE COTAN**](https://hokkaidospaceport.com/news/2303?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[HOSPO\]. This is not an entirely new arrangement. SPACE COTAN has been managing, operating, and promoting HOSPO for the past five years, but it has been executing tasks under the direction of Taiki-cho. The 15-year concession agreement will run through 30 Sept 2041 and will cover Launch Complex 1 (LC1), a 1,300m runway, hangar facilities, and the SORA space exchange center (大樹町宇宙交流センター). This transition arrives at a critical juncture for the nascent spaceport. Construction on LC1, which will be used by Interstellar for its "ZERO" small-sat launch vehicle, is scheduled for completion by the end of FY2026 (31 March 2027) and the first launch planned for 2027\. LC1 has two launchpads (LP11 and LP12), a vehicle assembly building, and propellant/payload storage facilities. Once LC1 is up and running, work will begin on LC2, which will be designed for heavier rockets and a higher launch cadence of up to 10 per year. This is just the start as the vision for HOSPO is to serve as a multi-rocket, high frequency commercial spaceport. In addition to **Intersteller**, U.S. firm **Firefly Aerospace** is also evaluating that site. - In parallel with the concession agreement **SPACE COTAN** has inked an agreement with **Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance** for [insurance and risk management services](https://hokkaidospaceport.com/news/2296?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[HOSPO\] for operating the spaceport and supporting rocket launches. Mitsui Sumitomo has a parallel agreement with Taiki-cho. These moves all support Japan's national strategic goal of 30 domestic launches per year by the early 2030s. - **Axelspace** has [opened a new development site](https://www.axelspace.com/ja/news/developmentcenter%5Frelocation/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Axelspace\] in Shinkiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo (新木場江東区東京). The new site brings together environmental testing that was previously done at separate locations and collocates it with satellite design, manufacturing, and testing. The unified design, testing, and manufacturing facility also has clean rooms and environmental test equipment. Axelspace says the new facility aims to stabilize quality (that feels a bit "on the nose" given the recent failures) and build a production system that supports both manufacturing partner collaboration and higher, more consistent output. Axelspace will keep its Nihonbashi headquarters, which will retain technology and business development functions. - **ASTRO GATE** has announced the launch of **SAKURA (Spaceport Alliance for Knowledge, Utilization, Research & Advancement)**. The [new alliance brings together about 20 companies and institutions to pursue spaceport development projects](https://space-connect.jp/astrogate-sakura/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] in Japan and overseas and to create business around them in 12 industry sectors including: logistics, construction, manufacturing, finance, insurance, communications, fuel, tourism and economic development. The Alliance will jointly pursue business development, technology development, and joint R&D funding applications - this latter goal feels like it's aimed squarely and soaking up some of those juicy yen in the **JAXA Space Strategy Fund** and other government subsidies. - The Alliance is a membership model with four tiers. Some of the initial members include JAL, JR East, Mitsubishi Warehouse, JFE Engineering, Nikken Sekkei, JTB, SMBC, MUFG, the University of Tokyo RCAST and Muroran Institute of Technology. - There are two other Japanese collaborative efforts aimed at spaceport development - the **Space Port Japan Association (SPJ)** and the **New Space Port Working Group (NSP-WG)** \- and while I'd be concerned about mission overlap, it seems that both SPJ and NSP-WG have been partners in the formation of the new SAKURA alliance, so it seems like each organization sees a clear lane for themselves. - *What does this mean?* Globally, we saw 500 launches in 2025, and the US alone is now aiming for 1,000 launches by 2030\. That's going to require a lot of rockets but also a lot of spaceports and associated facilities, like rocket assembly bays, payload integration facilities, and launch complexes. The U.S. has seen a recent spate of new spaceport announcements in Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and Florida. Japan has set a more modest goal of just 30 launches per year by the early 2030s, and it may struggle to meet even that goal, but there's also an opportunity to develop a domestic spaceport construction and operations industry that can be exported to other countries. ![18-sakura-spaceport-value-chain.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/18-sakura-spaceport-value-chain.png) SAKURA diagram of the spaceport value chain. Source: ASTRO GATE (JEO translation) --- ### 💱 Contracts - **Synspective** announced it has [signed a multi-year launch agreement with Rocket Lab for 20 more dedicated launches](https://space-connect.jp/synspective-electron/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] on the Electron rocket. This is a huge commitment by Synspective and one of the largest multi-launch agreements Rocket Lab has signed with a single customer. The missions are scheduled from 2028 through 2031\. Rocket Lab has launched all of Synspective's 13 StriX SAR satellites to date. The new agreement secures launch capacity into the early 2030s and brings Synspective's total contracted launches with Rocket Lab to 47\. 13 have been launched to date, leaving 34 still to fly. - A joint team led by **Daiwa House** and including **Dynamic Map Platform. (ダイナミックマッププラットフォーム)** and **Hacobu** has been awarded a position in the **Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT)** FY2026 "Autonomous Truck Implementation Support Program". The project is a [demonstration of how logistics facilities and so-called "mobility hubs" can receive and process autonomous trucks](https://www.dynamic-maps.co.jp/news/news-2096/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[DMP\]. Mobility hubs are sites near expressways where trucks switch between manned and autonomous driving and swap tractor heads and trailers. Testing is due to begin as soon as December 2026 and will take place at Daiwa House's multi-tenant "DPL" logistics facilities, DPL Hiratsuka and DPL Shin-Yokohama III. The tests assume Level 4-equivalent truck operation inside the facilities. The test vehicle is expected to be an autonomous truck from TIER IV, which builds its trucks based on the Autoware open-source software. The project has three focus areas: 1. Guiding trucks inside the facility using destination information. 2. Supporting safe driving with infrastructure cameras. 3. Building and testing a mobility-hub operating model. - DMP will supply its high-definition 3D map data and its infrastructure mobility platform, which can send data to the autonomous trucks about nearby-vehicle information detected by cameras installed in the facility. This type of information helps to reduce blind spots and make better movement decisions. Once they've entered the facility, the trucks are guided to their destination berth using a truck-berth reservation system developed by the other project partner, Hacobu, which will contribute its "*MOVO Berth*" mobility-hub management software system. - *What does this mean?* Japan is a leader in this type of autonomous trucking system. There is a national plan to build a dedicated Tokyo-Osaka expressway for autonomous freight transportation, but this is probably a decade or more in the future. In the meantime, the hybrid system being tested by this team and others will combine autonomous trucks, drivers, and mobility hubs and will likely emerge as a key tactic in overcoming a national shortage of truck drivers. ![19-dmp-mobility-hub-autonomous-trucks.jpg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/19-dmp-mobility-hub-autonomous-trucks.jpg) Diagram of autonomous truck approaching a mobility hub. Source: DMP - **Honda** has announced that it has signed an agreement with **Redwire** to combine their robotic arm efforts. Honda is contributing the multi-fingered robotic hand it has been developing for several years, and Redwire is contributing its Staark robotic arm it developed for space station experiments. - **Asia Air Survey (アジア航測)** announced a [new joint research program](https://www.ajiko.co.jp/news%5Fdetail/1840?ref=japanearthobserver.com) with the **University of New South Wales (UNSW)** with support from the **Australian Research Council (ARC)**. This builds on a 2025 cooperation agreement. AAS's Advanced Technology Research Institute will collaborate with UNSW researchers to develop an AI-based wildfire spread prediction system. The system will fuse high-resolution 3D geospatial data (terrain, structures, vegetation fuel loads) with meteorological inputs (wind speed, humidity, temperature) to improve forecasting accuracy of fire spread. Initial testing will be carried out in Australia, with planned future extension to disaster-prevention solutions for Japanese municipalities and infrastructure operators. - **Satellite Data Services (SDS) (衛星データサービス)** [signed an MoU](https://www.sd-services.co.jp/%e6%a0%aa%e5%bc%8f%e4%bc%9a%e7%a4%bearcheda%e3%81%a8%e3%81%ae%e6%a3%ae%e6%9e%97%e5%88%86%e9%87%8e%e3%81%ab%e3%81%8a%e3%81%91%e3%82%8b%e6%a5%ad%e5%8b%99%e9%80%a3%e6%90%ba%e3%81%ae%e3%81%8a%e7%9f%a5/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) with **Archeda**, a company that develops measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV)) systems for nature-based carbon credits. SDS will leverage data from Japan's ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite) series of EO satellites to support forest-based carbon credit verification and monitoring. - **Astroscale's UK** subsidiary has [won a new defense contract](https://space-connect.jp/astroscale-ltd-mod/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) worth £15 million (approximately ¥3.12 billion) from the **UK Ministry of Defence**. This follows on Astroscale UK's prior UK defense work, including a 2025 £5.15 million "Orpheus" space domain awareness mission (two satellites, 2027 launch). The Astroscale contract aligns with the UK's new "UK Space Strategy" allocating £7.8 billion through 2030 to defense/space domain awareness and in-orbit servicing capabilities. - **Terra Drone** has [won a contract](https://space-connect.jp/terradrone-jaxa/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] with **JAXA** to continue developing components of its Disaster/Emergency Operational Safety Management System and Small Fixed-Wing UAS R&D (DOER) system for managing both crewed and uncrewed aircraft during disaster response. This is a follow-on contract. Terra Drone developed and tested the uncrewed aircraft management subsystem in drills held in Nara Prefecture in April 2025\. The DOER framework's development is expected to continue through FY2028 and includes potential future integration with satellite systems to eventually replace JAXA's legacy D-NET and D-NET2 disaster response system. - **Amateras Space** has launched the **Next-Generation Spacesuit Consortium** as an [industry-academia partnership aimed at developing a lunar EVA spacesuit by 2035](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21088?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\]. The consortium includes **Gifu University of Medical Science** professor Tanaka Kunihiko as the research lead, wetsuit and drysuit manufacturer **Mobby Dick**, and prototyping firm X-Effect. In addition to the suit itself, the consortium will develop ONZO, an AI-based platform for integrating astronaut movement and biometrics data, environmental data from lunar rovers and habitats. - **Sagri (サグリ株式会社)** has [signed a MoU](https://sagri.tokyo/2026/09/28/cfg/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) with **Continental Farmers Group (CFG)**, a major Ukrainian agricultural company that manages 190,000 acres of farmland. As one of the largest grain-producing regions in the world, agriculture is a key industry for Ukraine. This new partnership will apply Sagri's satellite imagery-based "SagriVision" product to monitoring, verification, and reporting (MRV) of soil carbon on land managed by CFG. The collaboration aims to improve carbon sequestration and earn carbon credits through the application of Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). By quantifying the amount of soil carbon sequestred through regenerative agriculture and connecting this to international carbon credits, the partnership aims to generate additional revenue from grain production. - **Sagri (サグリ株式会社)** has [signed a MoU with a Vietnamese sugar firm](https://sagri.tokyo/en/2026/10/01/nasu/?ref=japanearthobserver.com), **Nghe An Sugar Co. (NASU)** to collaborate on a sustainable sugarcane program. Like the Ukraine project, they will be applying Sagri's "SagriVision" platform to monitor and verify soil health, yield, and production. - Vietnam's sugar industry has been growing rapidly, doubling in volume over the past five years. Nghe An Sugar is based in north central Vietnam's Nghe An province, the top sugarcane production region. NASU wants to increase production, reduce costs, and improve soil health. *Sagrivision* will be used to digitize detailed field data including soil and crop conditions and then use the data to transition to a regenerative agriculture approach that will improve soil health over time. - **ispace-EUROPE** signed a MoU with **Leonardo** and **Telespazio** (a Leonardo/Thales joint venture) at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye. The aim is to [explore collaborations on lunar infrastructure](https://space-connect.jp/ispace-europe-mou/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] such as communications, positioning and navigation, and transportation services. The new MoU expands on a 2025 Letter of Intent with Telespazio by adding Leonardo's expertise with space robotics, AI, interoperability, and ground segments. Under the MoU, the parties will explore transportation of ESA's Moonlight satellites to lunar orbit on an ispace orbital transfer vehicle. - At the same event, **ispace** also signed a MoU with **ArianeGroup** to [support cooperation on propulsion as well as spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21161?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[ispace\] for ispace's ULTRA lunar lander. The ispace lunar lander will use ArianeGroup pulsing thrusters and reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. This MoU builds on eight years of collaboration including similar propulsion, assembly, and integration work on the ispace Mission 1 lander. The Mission 3 lander is planned for 2028 and Mission 4 lander for 2029. - **ispace-EUROPE** has also signed a MoU with **Aerospace Logistics Technology Engineering Company (ALTEC)** of Turin, Italy. The two companies will [collaborate on lunar rover testing, mission simulations and operational training](https://www.ispace-inc.com/2026/10/12/ispace-europe-and-altec-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-to-collaborate-on-lunar-rover-testing/?ref=japanearthobserver.com). ALTEC is a joint venture of Thales-Alenia Space and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). ALTEC operates the Rover Operations Control Centre (ROCC) for ESA's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, and it is developing a new ASI-funded Lunar Simulation Centre for testing robotic lunar missions. Under the agreement, ispace-EUROPE will gain access to ALTEC's facilities in order to simulate rover operations in simulated lunar environments. - **Infostellar** has been selected for a **METI** contract to [build ground stations in Fiji and the Solomon Islands](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21111?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\] and integrate them into its "StellarStation" platform. Infostellar is working with local partners Fintel in Fiji and SATSOL in the Solomon Islands. The METI subsidy provides ¥1.329B against a total project cost of ¥2.658B. The new ground stations will improve the real-time availability of Earth observation data in the Asia-Pacific region in support of disaster response and illegal fishing monitoring. - **Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)** announced a bunch of Ph 3 SBIRs: - **Interstellar** has been awarded ¥3.93 billion for a [five-year project to support development and flight demonstration of the ZERO](https://www.istellartech.com/news/releases/11460?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[IST\] small sat rocket. This brings government grants and subsidies to ¥19.37 billion while Interstellar has also raise ¥20.1 billion via private funding. - **Astroscale** has [won a Ph 3 SBIR](https://payloadspace.com/japan-awards-astroscale-80m-for-debris-observation/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) worth ¥12.4 billion (\~US $80 million) that will run through 2028. - **Pale Blue** has [won additional funding](https://pale-blue.co.jp/news/1465/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) to support miniaturized water ion thrusters and Hall-effect thrusters for satellites. - **ElevationSpace** has signed a MOU with **SSC Space** to [explore long-term cooperation on microgravity experiments, launches, re-entry and recovery](https://elevation-space.com/posts%5Fen/news%5F20261016%5Feng?ref=japanearthobserver.com), and ground station services. ElevationSpace brings the orbital experiment, recovery, and reentry expertise and SSC brings its experience with sounding rockets, space experiment equipment development, satellite launch, and ground station services. The collaboration will include the potential use of the Esrange Space Centre, a Swedish spaceport which SSC owns and operates. - **ArkEdge Space** is also pursuing a tie-up with **SSC Space** and signed two agreements. - First, a service agreement for ArkEdge to [use the SSC Space Go ground station service](https://arkedgespace.com/en/news/2026-10-20%5Fssc?ref=japanearthobserver.com). This will expand ArkEdge's access to ground stations that can support telemetry and data transmission from its EO satellites to the Earth. - The second agreement is a MoU that outlines three areas of cooperation: 1) ArkEdge's use of SSC's global ground station infrastructure, including newer optical equipment; 2) enable ArkEdge to install its own equipment on SSC's global ground station sites; and 3) enable SSC's customers to use ArkEdge's ground station sites and infrastructure in Japan. - **Dymon**, the developer of the YAOKI lunar rover, announced that they've been awarded a contract with **JALUX** (a **Japan Airlines** subsidiary) to [develop a lunar transport box called "Möbius Ark"](https://space-connect.jp/daimon-jalux/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\]. The box will be 20x20x10 cm and will include multiple compartments. Dymon had signed an agreement with ispace in January and JAL's "ARGO PROJECT" lunar cargo service agreement with ispace was announced during the summer. The "Möbius Ark" will be the lunar container technology that will fly on ispace's 2028 Mission 3 ULTRA lander. The Dymon contract is organized into two phases with a Phase 1 engineering model going through vibration and shock tests by January 2027\. Phase 2 will build and qualify the actual flight version of the box. - **ASTRO GATE** [signed an MoU](https://astrogate.jp/news/20261013%5Fmou%5Fomspace/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) with India's **Omspace**. As described above, ASTRO GATE plans and operates spaceports, so this agreement is aimed at advancing those interests. Omspace is a rocketry startup that is aiming for that contemporary holy grail of a reusable rocket. In order to achieve sustainable and frequent access to space, reusable rockets and flexible spaceport infrastructure go hand-in-hand. The MoU outlines several collaborative activities: - Exchange information on ground equipment specifications and operational requirements necessary for the landing, maintenance, and refueling of reusable rockets. - Interface compatibility and coordination between rockets developed by Omspace and spaceports planned and operated by ASTRO GATE. - Promoting collaboration in the Japan-India space industry ecosystem - **BEAM Technologies**, a Tokyo-based spinout from the **RIKEN** research lab, has begun a joint research project with the JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub. The research will focus on [growing high-quality crystal growth of III-V compound semiconductors in microgravity](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21335?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\] based on gallium antimonide (GaSb). These semiconductors are used in infrared detectors, infrared lasers and high-frequency communication devices. - On the Earth's surface, gravity causes thermal convection and creates defects in the crystals. Microgravity avoids this. JAXA will provide sample preparation and technical advice on the research plan. BEAM will handle growth conditions, evaluation, and validation against practical devices. - **Synspective** has been selected as one of the Japanese partner companies assigned to Jamaica for the [next iteration of the Japan *SDGs Innovation Challenge*](https://www.synspective.com/news/undp%5Fjapan%5Fsdgs%5Finnovation%5Fchallenge/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com), hosted by the **United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)**. Synspective will use satellite imagery and AI to develop and validate a coastal monitoring solution in support of sea-level rise adaptation and climate resilience in a national protected area called the "Portland Bight Protected Area". - **Hokkaido** and the **Virginia** shore are separated by more than 10,000 kilometers, but the **Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)** and the **Virginia Spaceport Authority** have signed an MoU to work together. The Virginia Spaceport Authority operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. This MoU builds on an October 2024 international cooperation agreement among eight commercial spaceports on five continents. The new agreement covers two areas: [education and community economic development](https://hokkaidospaceport.com/news/2340?ref=japanearthobserver.com). On the education front, the two spaceports plan to develop joint programming, workshops, and exchange visits. For economic development the they will focus on cooperating on regional development plans and tourism promotion. --- ### 💴 Funding and Acquisitions - **JAOPS** announced that it has [raised ¥260 million (\~US $1.7million)](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21070?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\] in a seed round led by UntroD Capital and Midtown Frontier Fund. While this is a seed round, JAOPS has been operating since 2023, providing tools, simulation environments, and mission control infrastructure for satellite and space mission operators in Japan, Europe, UK, South Korea, and the US. The new funds will be used to expand operations and construct a mission control center. JAOPS has previously received funding from JAXA's Space Strategy Fund and a grant from the Tokyo Metropolitan government. - **Asia Air Survey**'s venture capital division has [announced an investment](https://www.ajiko.co.jp/news%5Fdetail/1843?ref=japanearthobserver.com) as a limited partner in **Endeavor Catalyst Fund V**. Endeavor manages more than US $850 million in assets and invests in fast growing startups outside the US, China, and India. Endeavor has a strong track record with more than 425 investments and 75 that are valued at more than US $1 billion. - The **JPX Research Institute (JPX総研)** has unveiled its latest reconfiguration for the **TOPIX index** and it will [now include two Japanese space companies](https://spacemedia.jp/news/21175?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceMedia\] among the 35 companies added to the index. **Astroscale Holdings** (orbital servicing) and **Synspective** (SAR constellation) will be part of TOPIX starting on October 30\. This will likely expand the number of institutional shareholders that will hold shares in these companies. ![20-topix-new-companies-en.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/20-topix-new-companies-en.png) TOPIX index configuration. Source: JPX Market Innovation and Research - **Zero Industries, PBC** is a US and Japan space startup. It announced that it has [closed a pre-seed round](https://space-connect.jp/zero-industries/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[SpaceConnect\] of US $3 million (about ¥470 million). **Maezawa Fund** led the round, with **UntroD Capital Japan**, **NOW**, **Midtown**, **KZM & Company**, **h plus holdings**, and individual investors also taking part. This may be an all-time record pre-seed round for a Japanese startup. The founders are also astonishingly young. CEO Sugihara Kai is 16, CTO Fujii Yusei is 19, and COO Tani Koya is 20\. The company is developing "Helios", a laser power-beaming service for satellites. It's got three components: - *Helios Beam* \- a power-generating satellite that transmits power by laser. - *Helios Cell* \- a receiver fitted to customer satellites. - *Helios Grid* \- the operations system that manages transmission. - Transmission over several hundred km and simultaneous supply to multiple satellites are the key goals. The company is running joint research with the **Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries** in Hamamatsu. Ground demonstrations are planned for autumn 2026 to spring 2027\. An orbital demonstrator design is planned for late 2027\. An inter-satellite power-transfer demonstration is planned for 2030\. Target early customers include Earth observation satellites, orbital transfer vehicles and servicing satellites. Longer-term ideas include space data centers and lunar bases. - *My take:* Zero Industries' founders will have their work cut out for them. There is a range of firms doing similar laser-based power-beaming for satellites, lunar infrastructure, and drones. U.S.-based Mantis Space, U.S.-based PowerLight Technologies, Aquila Earth in Australia, ORiS Space in Italy, and SolaNika in Japan are all chasing power-beaming via lasers and others are pursuing space-based solar power beamed down to Earth via microwave. --- ### 🔭 Science - **JAXA** has announced a new **Japan GHG Center (日本GHGセンター)** as a [national hub](https://esd.nies.go.jp/ghg-information/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) that will [consolidate greenhouse gas (GHG) data and knowledge](https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2026/10/20261001-2%5Fe.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[JAXA\] from satellite and ground observation data. The Center aims to improve inter-agency cooperation and to accelerate climate change research. The new Center will combine efforts from: - National Institute for Environmental Studies (国立研究開発法人国立環境研究所) - Institute for Climate and Society Research, The University of Tokyo (国立大学法人東京大学 気候と社会連携研究機構) - Hiroshima University, Setouchi CN International Collaborative Research Center (国立大学法人広島大学 瀬戸内CN国際共同研究センター) - Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) (国立研究開発法人海洋研究開発機構 地球環境研究部門) - Japan Meteorological Agency Meteorological Research Institute (気象庁気象研究所) - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) (国立研究開発法人宇宙航空研究開発機構 第一宇宙技術部門) ![21-japan-ghg-center.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/21-japan-ghg-center.png) Japan GHG Center landing page - [https://esd.nies.go.jp/ghg-information/](https://esd.nies.go.jp/ghg-information/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) --- ### 🗺️ International Collaborations - **NASA** announced that **JAXA**'s [Suwa Makoto will be one of the "Crew-14" mission astronauts assigned to the ISS Expedition 75/76](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-shares-spacex-crew-14-assignments-for-space-station-mission/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[NASA\] long-duration mission beginning spring 2027\. Suwa will be a mission specialist along with NASA's Kayla Barron and Chris Birch, and Roscosmos's Arutyun Kiviryan. Suwa will become the 8th Japanese astronaut to make an extended stay on the ISS. Crew-14 is expected to launch via a SpaceX Crew Dragon around March 2027. ![22-iss-crew-14-photo-spacex.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/22-iss-crew-14-photo-spacex.png) ISS Expedition 75/76 astronauts that will fly on SpaceX Crew-14\. Source: SpaceX --- ## 🎥 Videos **JAXA** - MMX Pre-launch press briefing - \[[English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FE45z5AtwzE&t=4238s&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] \[[Japanese](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKxY9gIwpRs&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] - MMX Launch live stream - \[[English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn6gzuGa-6c&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] \[[Japanese](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZGyK9jfoy4&t=3490s&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] - MMX Post-launch press briefing - \[[English](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLuZtNOXrDo&t=6964s&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] \[[Japanese](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-3olrShISs&t=1404s&ref=japanearthobserver.com)\] --- ## 📝 Reports and Datasets - **Dynamic Map Platform (DMP) (ダイナミックマッププラットフォーム**) has [contributed sample data in the ASAM OpenCRG standard format](https://www.dynamic-maps.co.jp/news/news-2078/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[DMP\] to its Takanawadai-area dataset on Hugging Face. OpenCRG (Curved Regular Grid) is an open data form for road surface changes stored as a grid of height values along the road. It is a complementary format to OpenDRIVE, which describes the actual road network, lanes, and objects along the road. DMP created the data from a combination of 3D point clouds captured by laser scanners attached to vehicles and 3D feature data. DMP expects that the data will be used to develop and evaluate self-driving vehicle controls and actuators. - 🤗On Hugging Face: [huggingface.co/datasets/dynamic-maps/hard-intersection-multimodal-sample](http://huggingface.co/datasets/dynamic-maps/hard-intersection-multimodal-sample?ref=japanearthobserver.com) - **IBM** and **NASA** have [released an open-source lunar foundation model](https://www.storagereview.com/news/nasa-ibm-lunar-foundation-model-goes-open-source-with-a-2m-tile-dataset-and-22-lower-ice-mapping-error?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \[Storage Review\] on Hugging Face, trained on over 30 spatially aligned data sets from nine instruments, including NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and GRAIL missions plus **Japan’s Kaguya**. It beats an ImageNet-trained baseline by up to 22% at finding likely ice deposits and 19% at crater detection. The foundation model is built on a version of TerraMind, the EO model IBM developed with **ESA**. The training corpus includes 2 million image tiles, with more than 1 million optical images at 1 meter resolution and 964,000 multispectral images at 100m resolution. - 🤗On Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/collections/nasa-ibm-ai4science/nasa-ibm-lunar-fm-and-downstream-models ![23-nasa-ibm-lunar-research-foundation-model.jpg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/54/e9/54e9159b-1345-41dd-b7dd-180de33edc5b/content/images/2026/10/23-nasa-ibm-lunar-research-foundation-model.jpg) Labeled training data for lunar foundation model. Source: NASA/IBM --- ## 📆 Asia-Pacific Conferences & Events This newsletter is mostly focused on Japan, but I also like to highlight events across the Asia-Pacific region. Some upcoming conferences include: **October 2026** - [10th Global Moon Village Workshop & Symposium](https://moonvillageassociation.org/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 26 - 27 Oct - Bangkok, Thailand - [Asia-Pacific International Symposium on Aerospace Technology (APISAT 2026)](https://smartconf.jp/content/apisat2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) (第64回 飛行機シンポジウム) - 27 - 29 Oct - Sapporo, Japan - [32nd Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-32)](https://www.aprsaf.org/annual%5Fmeetings/aprsaf32/meeting%5Fdetails.php?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 27 - 30 Oct - Bangkok, Thailand - [Korean Space Science Society (KSSS) 2026 Fall Conference](https://ksss.or.kr/conference/202610?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 27 - 30 Oct - Jeju, South Korea - [UN/Pakistan International Conference on Leveraging Space Technology for EW4All, Climate Action and Disaster Risk Assessment](https://suparco.gov.pk/unoosa/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 27 - 31 Oct - Islamabad, Pakistan - [JSASS Annual Meeting 2026](https://smartconf.jp/content/hikoki64/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 28 - 30 Oct - Sapporo, Japan - [Thailand Space Expo 2026](https://tsx.gistda.or.th/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 28 - 31 Oct - Bangkok, Thailand - [Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA) International Space Conference 2026](https://kifaspace.org/kifa-space-research-conference-2026?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 30 Oct - 2 Nov - Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea **November 2026** - [IAU Symposium 409 - Innovative Research and Techniques in Astronomy Communication](https://www.spaceagenda.com/event/iau-symposium-409-innovative-research-and-techniques-in-astronomy-communication/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 2 - 6 Nov - Mitaka, Japan - [Asia-Pacific Space Community Council (APSCC)](https://apscc.or.kr/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 3 - 5 Nov - Denpasar Bali, Indonesia - [Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) 40th Plenary](https://ceos.org/meetings/40th-ceos-plenary/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 3 - 6 Nov - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia - [12th UNISEC-Global Meeting](https://unisec-global.org/calendar.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 4 Nov - Online - [OGC Asia Forum](https://events.ogc.org/OGCAsiaForum2026?ref=japanearthobserver.com#/) \- 4 Nov - Taipei, Taiwan - [Space Real Estate Conference (SRC 2026)](https://srconf.com/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 5 - 6 Nov - Tokyo, Japan - [TASTI 2026 (TASA Taiwan)](https://tasti2026.conf.tw/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 8 - 11 Nov - Tainan, Taiwan - [2nd Nano-satellite IoT Constellation Program Workshop](https://unisec-global.org/calendar.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 8 Nov - Tainan, Taiwan - [3rd Deep Space Workshop](https://unisec-global.org/calendar.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 8 Nov - Tainan, Taiwan - [9th Asia-Oceania Space Weather Alliance Workshop](https://tasti2026.conf.tw/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 8 - 11 Nov - Tainan, Taiwan - [10th Mission Idea Contest Preliminary Workshop (PreMIC 10)](https://www.spacemic.net/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 9 Nov, Tainan, Taiwan - [15th Nano-Satellite Symposium](https://tasti2026.conf.tw/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 9 - 11 Nov - Tainan, Taiwan - [SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing 2026](https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/asia-pacific-remote-sensing?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 9 - 12 Nov - Yokohama, Japan - [Advancing Earth Observation Forum 2026](https://www.earthobsforum.org/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 9 - 12 Nov - Hobart, Tasmania, Australia - [Australian Space Domain Awareness and Space Traffic Management Conference 2026](https://conference.unsw.edu.au/en/2026-australian-space-domain-awareness-space-traffic-management-conference?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 10 - 12 Nov - Canberra, Australia - [7th China International SAR Symposium (CISS 2026)](https://www.researching.cn/conference/CISS2026?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 10 - 12 Nov - Nanjing, China - [70th Space Science & Technology Conference (第70回 宇宙科学技術連合講演会)](https://smartconf.jp/content/sstc70?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 10 - 13 Nov - Utsunomiya, Japan - [Korea Society for Aeronautical and Space Science (KSAS) 2026 Fall Conference](http://eng.ksas.or.kr/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 10 - 13 Nov - Seoul, South Korea - [China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China)](https://www.airshow.com.cn/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 10 - 15 Nov - Zhuhai, China - [International Symposium on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology (ISPACE) - Health 2026 (IPSPACE 2026)](https://iaaspace.org/event/international-symposium-on-the-peaceful-use-of-space-technology-health-2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 16 - 19 Nov - Haikou, China - [International Workshop on ATM/CNS (IWAC 2026)](https://www.enri.go.jp/en/int%5Fworkshop/iwac2026.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 17 - 19 Nov - Tokyo, Japan - [JAXA Space Debris Workshop 2026 (第12回スペースデブリワークショップ)](https://www.kenkai.jaxa.jp/event/?ref=japanearthobserver.com#2026%5F01) \- 18 - 20 Nov - Tokyo, Japan - [Indo Aerospace Expo and Forum](https://indoaerospace.com/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 18 - 21 Nov - Jakarta, Indonesia - [8th Satellite Science Workshop and Taiwan Space Union Annual Meeting](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-69NvDKgMLq9snv78ICNPbImGT2ePFBSdMf5oSs5sYjiUNw/viewform?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 20 - 21 Nov - Taipei Taiwan - [International Lunar Sample Research Symposium 2026](https://www.bagevent.com/event/9224894?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 20 - 23 Nov - Hong Kong, China - [India International Space Conclave 2026](https://www.ispaevents.space/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 23 - 24 Nov - New Delhi, India - [Locate26](https://www.spatialsource.com.au/event/locate26/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 24 - 26 Nov - Melbourne, Australia - [10th Digital Earth Summit](https://www.digitalearth-isde.org/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 24 - 26 Nov - Melbourne, Australia - [13th Hayabusa Symposium / Space Materials Science Symposium (第13回 宇宙物質科学シンポジウム)](https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/researchers/%20?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 24 - 27 Nov - Sagamihara, Japan - [35th Space Engineering Conference (SEC'26)](https://www.jsme.or.jp/event/26-107/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 27 - 28 Nov - Osaka, Japan - [FOSS4G Hokkaido 2026](https://foss4g.hokkaido.jp/2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 28-29 Nov - Kita Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Japan - [CEOS WGCV SAR Calibration & Validation Workshop 2026](https://ceos.org/meetings/ceos-sar-calibration-validation-workshop-2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 30 Nov - 4 Dec - Perth, Australia - [Asian Microgravity Symposium 2026 (AMS2026)](https://www.jasma.info/ams2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 30 Nov - 4 Dec - Hyogo, Japan - [ISRO-ESA GEOGLAM Joint Workshop on Agricultural Monitoring 2026](https://www.isro.gov.in/media%5Fisro/pdf/ISRO%5FESA%5FGEOGLAM%5FWorkshop%5FFlyer%5F30092026.pdf?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 30 Nov-4 Dec - Ahmedabad, India - [Nihombashi Space Week 2026](https://www.crossu.org/spaceweek/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 30 Nov - 12 Dec - Tokyo, Japan - [Tanegashima Space Art Festival](https://satfes.jp/2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 21-22 Nov and 5-6 Dec - Tanegashima, Japan **December 2026** - [IEEE India Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (InGARSS 2026)](https://ingarss2026.co.in/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 1 - 4 Dec - Hyderabad, India - [14th International Conference on Communications, Networks, and Satellite (IEEE-COMNETSAT 2026)](https://comnetsat.org/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 3 - 5 Dec - Manado, Indonesia - [Global New Space Forum 2026](https://www.spaceagenda.com/event/global-new-space-forum-2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 4 - 5 Dec - Seoul, South Korea - [16th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users Conference](https://www.bom.gov.au/events/16th-asia-oceania-meteorological-satellite-users-conference/conference-at-a-glance?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 6 - 11 Dec - Melbourne, Australia - [Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics FY2026 (宇宙航行の力学シンポジウム)](https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/researchers/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 7 - 8 Dec - Sagamihara, Japan - [8th Singapore Space Symposium](https://event.ntu.edu.sg/singapore-space-symposium-2026?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 7 - 9 Dec - Singapore - [18th AOGEO Symposium](https://aogeo18th.com/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 15 - 17 Dec - Tsukuba International Congress Center, Ibaraki, Japan - [41st Space Structures and Materials Symposium (ISAS/JAXA)](https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/researchers/symposium/structure/fy2026.html?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 17 Dec - Sagamihara, Japan - [National Conference on Legal Dimensions of Space Governance, Sustainability and International Cooperation](https://lexibal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Brochure-Legal-Dimensions-of-Space-Governance-Sustainability-and-International-Cooperation-%5Fcompressed.pdf?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 18 - 19 Dec - Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - [AEC Forum (Geospatial + BIM + Digital Twins) 2026](https://geospatialworld.net/aec-forum/2026/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) \- 21 - 22 Dec - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India # --- If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. Please be in touch [via LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcheetham/?ref=japanearthobserver.com) with any feedback, questions, comments, or requests for future topics. And if you have a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy JEO, please share it! Until next time, Robert --- Above the high peak, a star is visible; pleasant climbing tomorrow. – Sugita Hisajo (1890-1946) - translated by William Scott Wilson 高嶺星 見出てうれし 明日登山 *takaneboshi* *midete ureshi* *ashita tozan*