Space BD, a Japanese space startup that provides access to space using the International Space Station (ISS) Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” ,and rideshares on Japan’s flagship launch vehicle “H3”, announced that it will provide cubesat deployment service from the ISS for HMU-SAT1. HMU-SAT1 is a nanosatellite developed by Space Development Research Club at the Hokkaido University of Science with support from E+CRAFTMAN Co. Ltd., a leading Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) company based in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Project overview
Space Development Research Club conducts research on low power communication technology for satellites via smartphones equipped with small antenna and transceiver. This technology allows short message communication of up to about 20 characters, which is suitable during an emergency such as natural disasters. People will be able to send a safety confirmation and rescue request.
With this mission, they will demonstrate the low power communication technology in space using the antenna, nanosatellite, and the ground station that Space Development Research Club developed internally.
Organization structure for satellite development
Prof. Mitsuhashi, who was involved in the development of the first nanosatellite in Hokkaido in 2006, is appointed as an advisor for the Space Development Research Club. Sapporo-based IT company E+CRAFTMAN will also provide support.
Satellite Launch
HMU-SAT1 is a 1U cubesat (10cm cube; 1.3kg) developed using components purchased from home electronics retailers and online stores. Space BD will manage the launch and deployment of HMU-SAT1 from ISS Kibo, which is planned for 2021. Space BD’s engineering team will provide Space Development Research Club with one-stop service from technical integration at each stage of the project and support safety assessment reviews, the launch to the ISS, and the final deployment of the nanosatellite from the Kibo module.
Kazuhiro Ohno, Manager, Marketing, Satellite Launch Services, Space BD mentioned: “ We are very pleased to be able to challenge this project with E+CRAFTMAN and the members of the Hokkaido University of Science Space Development research Club. I still remember clearly that I was excited to take up the challenge when I first heard about this project from Mr. Niiyama, the CEO of E+CRAFTMAN, members of the Hokkaido University of Science Space Development Research Club, and Prof. Mitsuhashi. I felt not only the technical skills but also the enthusiasm of all the members involved. From now on, Space BD, as a partner, will strive together to ensure a successful delivery of the project. We believe that Space BD’s service utilizing the ISS “Kibo” is the most suitable means for missions such as this for the purpose of technical demonstration. Our experienced engineers work closely with satellite developers to provide consistent support for satellite deployment.”
