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Tokyo and Miyagi – Two Japanese space startup, Space BD and ElevationSpace have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a space utilization platform which has the potential to be replaced with the International Space Station (ISS) Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” at the end of its operation.

Tokyo-based space startup Space BD and ElevationSpace, a startup spin-off from Tohoku University, started discussions toward realizing a space utilization platform internationally competitive in the post-ISS era.

 

Image of ELS-R ©ElevationSpace

 

Image of operations ©ElevationSpace

 

The key technology of this initiative is “ELS-R,” a small space utilization platform that ElevationSpace develops. “ELS-R” enables science experiments and manufacturing the high-quality materials that are unable to be generated on the earth. ELS-R is also able to bring the deliverables back to the ground.

This “Atmospheric reentry” is the world’s leading technology that ElevationSpace develops. Space BD supports ElevationSpace from both the business development and technical aspects toward the ELS-R’ s in-orbit demonstration. The demonstration is currently scheduled for the second half of FYE March 2022. Space BD applies the knowledge and experiments cultivated through its primary business known as satellite launch services.

Furthermore, ElevationSpace plans to provide the ELS-R to the market no earlier than 2025. For the next step, Space BD develops demand in Japan and overseas markets for the service.
Through these initiatives, the companies will realize continuous space utilization in the post-ISS era. Moreover, the two companies agreed to discuss the space factory business and space construction business set forth by ElevationSpace.

The two companies currently work together for the High-Quality Protein Crystal Growth Experiment Service on the ISS “Kibo,” which Space BD was selected as the private partner by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in May 2021.
In this business, ElevationSpace will accompany Space BD for their demand development and service quality improvement. Meanwhile, they will apply the knowledge gained through this cooperation to improve the usability of “ELS-R.”

 

■ Schedule

Image of operations ©ElevationSpace

 

■ About the International Space Station (ISS)

The ISS has been used as an experimental facility for basic scientific research since its full-scale use began in 2000. For example, in pharmaceutical research and development, breast cancer drug manufacturing is carried out on the ISS, supporting people’s lives on the ground. As of June 2021, the use of the ISS after 2024 is under discussion in the participating countries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

■　Contacts