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Space BD, a leading Japanese space startup, began providing an application support service for air transport for satellites in October 2024.

 

 

 

As satellite launch methods diversify in recent years with industry growth, the need for international satellite transport has increased. In many cases, satellites developed in one country are launched in another, requiring overseas transport prior to launch. Many satellites contain lithium-ion batteries, which, in some cases, necessitate special approvals from multiple countries for the transportation. The complexity of the procedures and extended lead time have become an additional burden on satellite developers.

 

To address these challenges, Space BD has introduced the “Satellite Air Transport Application Support Service,” managing the entire application process for required approvals related to satellite air transport. Drawing on the ample experience in diverse launch methods, this new service aims to streamline and accelerate satellite deployment and launch, offering robust support for various businesses entering the space field.

 

Lithium-Ion Battery Air Transport Regulations and Required Approvals

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which oversees air transport operations, categorizes lithium-ion batteries as dangerous goods under the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). For satellites containing lithium-ion batteries, special transport approvals are required from authorities in both the country of origin and the country affiliated with the transport operator.

While lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics are generally exempt from these approvals, the specialized batteries used in satellites often require formal approval to comply with IATA’s DGR.

 

※If the lithium ion battery has obtained a test report defined in Part III, subsection 38.3 of the United Nations Manual (hereinafter a “UN 38.3 Test Report”), then Approval is not required. However, even if a battery has obtained a UN 38.3 Test Report as a “single cell battery,” if the lithium ion battery to be incorporated into a satellite is a “battery pack,” then if the battery has not obtained a UN 38.3 Test Report as a “battery pack” then Approval is required. (This is because for UN 38.3 Test Reports (https://unece.org/DAM/trans/danger/publi/manual/Rev5/English/03en_part3.pdf) there are separate requirements for “single cell batteries” and “battery packs”)

*This URL is the most recent information as of October 2024, and the content may change due to future revisions and updates.

 

For transport originating in Japan, Space BD manages the application process to secure approvals from (1) Japanese authorities and (2) authorities in the airline’s affiliated country. For satellite transport from abroad, Space BD similarly handles all necessary applications, enabling a smoother, more diverse range of launch options and streamlined launch support for satellite developers.

 

 

■ Comment from Yuichiro Yamada, Business Development, Space BD

We have just started our “Application Support Service for Relevant Authorities in Each Country Involved in Satellite Air Transport” as a way for us to provide comprehensive support for customers who are considering satellite launch.

Following the IATA rules enables our customers’ satellites to be transported to the launch site safely while removing as many risks as much as possible until the satellite is launched into space (these risks include potential dangers to the aircraft and risks associated with application mistakes, among others). We aim to contribute to the further growth of the space industry by providing support for smooth launch overseas for satellites developed in Japan, as well as smooth launch in Japan for satellites developed overseas.

 

 

■ 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 from and over 450 contracts.

 U R L：https://space-bd.com/en/