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Private firms promoting space business form a consortium “SORAxIO”. Operational optimization of Japanese experiment module ISS ‘Kibo’ increases approachability to space utilization and promotes next-generation space projects.
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Space BD Inc., a space business operator that provides various services including satellite launches and microgravity research on the ISS, has partnered with Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Kanematsu Corporation, and DigitalBlast Inc. to establish a new consortium “SORAxIO” with the purpose of aligning awareness campaigns, user support, and policy recommendations regarding space utilization.
■Background
Development of space utilization is rapidly growing in recent years. The US is spearheading the development of a commercial space station that will replace the current ISS that is scheduled to retire in the year 2030. Meanwhile in Japan, the emergence and expansion of this new market and the participation of commercial companies fuel expectations for further progress of the space industry.
Since the firm’s establishment in 2017, Space BD has served as a designated service provider for the utilization of the ISS Japanese Experiment Module ‘Kibo’ and has supported about 50 small satellite deployments from the ISS. Space BD has also supported projects involving ISS on-board and in-orbit activities by various non-space businesses and entities such as artists and educational institutions, promoting the commercial use of space for entertainment and marketing purposes.
At the same time, customers who are new to space utilization have pointed out the difficulty and challenge they face: “We have no idea how much it would cost and how much preparation time is needed for the experiment in space,” “It takes time just to gather information about the procedures,” and “We were asked to pay a down payment without knowing the total cost and breakdown, so we can’t get the budget approved within our company for the project.”
To overcome such obstacles, and to contribute to the further growth of the Japanese space industry, it is imperative to set new guidelines that would accelerate commercial use for research purposes and to create an environment that would allow the promotion of space utilization through a more user-friendly set of guidelines.
This has led to the establishment of “SORAxIO”, a consortium formed with our colleague in space business, Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, along with Kanematsu Corporation and DigitalBlast Inc.
■About SORAxIO
・The origin of the name “SORAxIO”
Space Opportunities Revolution And Transfer to (＝x) Innovative Outcomes
To reform opportunities to use space (SORA) and to promote innovative and creative activities (space travel/exposure, manufacturing, entertainment, etc.) through space utilization.
The objective of the consortium is to expand the user base and drive LEO utilization by collaborating with various firms that have been promoting space business through the use of the ISS in order to investigate the regulations and system surrounding space utilization and to offer recommendations to the government. Furthermore, the knowledge gained through integrated operations using the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) ‘Kibo’ after 2025 will be accumulated and shared for the purpose of acquiring experience toward the new era of the next-generation space station. These activities will help contribute to the development of space utilization in Japan throughout the next space station era.
For further details regarding the consortium, please click the link below.
URL：https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000035.000042485.html
■Comment by Keita Ito, Head of Business Development/ COO, Space BD Inc.
Since our inauguration, Space BD’s mission has been to promote the commercialization of space, and we explore new business opportunities with the space station through the ISS ‘Kibo’ projects we support. As we prepare for the big transformation in 2030, we are pleased to enter into a business partnership that encourages an ‘All Japan’ collaboration.
■ About Space BD
Space BD is a one-stop service provider of various solutions to foster commercial utilization of space. Ranging from launch of small satellites with commercial launchers as well as via the International Space Station, to supporting pharmaceutical research with protein crystallization in microgravity, Space BD can support everything from business plan formulation and market research to hands-on technical operations. As of Oct. 2024, Space BD has supported over 80 satellite projects and over 500 related missions.
U R L：https://space-bd.com/en/