Space BD Inc. has announced that the H-II Transfer Vehicle No.9 (HTV9) successfully launched from Tanegashima Space Station to the International Space Station via H-IIB launch vehicle. HTV9 is carrying a payload of Space BD’s customer, SATLANTIS MICROSAT S.L.’s Integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM). The launch occurred on 21 May 2020, at 2:31 am JST.
Space BD is the leading space startup in Japan providing access to space using the International Space Station Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo and rideshares on Japan’s flagship launch vehicle “H3
After its arrival to the International Space Station, iSIM will be attached to the IVA-Replaceable Small Exposed Experiment Platform (i-SEEP) and start its in-orbit demonstration (IOD) mission. Through this IOD, SATLANTIS aims to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 to support new SmallSatellites constellations in the market
This is the first non-Japanese technology that will be installed on the i-SEEP. Space BD has been working on the project since February 2019 to provide one-stop support for all matters, including scheduling the launch and IOD opportunities, technical coordination and safety reviews following the environmental test results, and support for administrative procedures for SATLANTIS to achieve IOD on the International Space Station. The company will maintain its commitment to the project to ensure successful mission completion.
