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Tokyo- Space BD Inc., the leading Japanese space startup providing access to space with the International Space Station (ISS) “Kibo” module and piggyback launch on Japan’s flagship launch vehicle “H3”, announced that they contracted with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to undertake the integration work package for Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 Small Satellites and Cubesats. The satellites will be launched using Japan’s solid-propellant launcher, Epsilon. With the integration work package contract, Space BD approached the various launch method in Japan, which Space BD has aimed.

The previous contract awards from JAXA make Space BD the official service provider for multiple space systems – ISS small satellite deployment, ISS external platform service, H-IIA/H3 piggyback launches, and next-generation ISS resupply vehicle, HTV-X. Up to now, Space BD has been involved in a total of 52 satellite missions, including these four services.

Under the integration work package contract, Space BD will be the private entity that offers various launch methods in Japan. In the future, through these activities, Space BD will develop a user-friendly service by deepening the long and stable communication with satellite developers, standardization of launch conditions, and process simplification.

 

Figure: The launch methods and position of Space BD (As of November 2020)

 

Furthermore, Space BD has recently expanded its management board by welcoming Hide Akazawa as the CFO. Hide previously worked as the director and general manager of the administration department at Digital Arts Inc. Mac Kanazawa has also been promoted to the position of COO from the Director, General of the Satellite Launch Services Division.
Mac will observe the business development and engineering division as COO and Director, Business Development. He will lead the growth of the launch service business and the new business development around space, which is Space BD’s expertise.
Hide will lead Space BD’s development of corporate value through developing the organizational functions, the risk management systems, financial strategy and plan, and communications including IR, SR, PR as the CFO and Director, Administration.

By taking on a new challenge of managing multiple satellite launch methods, and expansion of the management board, Space BD hopes to strengthen the company management and operations for acceleration of speed as startup company and development of the company infrastructure for the initial public offering (IPO).