Ibadan, 19 October 2026. – Swedish space services provider SSC Space and Japanese space company ElevationSpace have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation in microgravity research, payload development, launch services, and spacecraft re-entry and recovery. The 14 October agreement establishes a framework for the companies to pursue potential joint opportunities in Japan, Sweden, and international markets.
Under the MoU, the companies will explore ways to combine SSC Space’s sounding rocket, payload development, launch, and ground station services with ElevationSpace’s in-orbit demonstration and spacecraft recovery capabilities. Potential areas of cooperation include the use of SSC Space’s Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, as well as research, technology development, and business development. However, the agreement does not any details connected to a specific mission or launch.
Expanding SSC Space’s Japanese presence with a local subsidiary
SSC Space began expanding its presence in Japan in February 2026, when it announced the establishment of a local office and Mac Kanazawa’s appointment as country manager. The company subsequently marked the establishment of its Japanese subsidiary at a reception at the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Tokyo. The MoU with ElevationSpace was signed ahead of the reception, linking the partnership with SSC Space’s efforts to build relationships across Japan’s space industry.
“SSC Space and ElevationSpace bring complementary strengths to space operations, research and technology development. By working together, we hope to connect our capabilities, networks and expertise to expand opportunities for future scientific and demonstration missions, while building a lasting partnership between the emerging space communities in Sweden and Japan,” explained Sund.
In an April 2026 interview with a Japanese media outlet, Kanazawa identified ground station services as an immediate priority for SSC Space’s Japanese business, citing growing demand linked to the expansion of satellite constellations. He also highlighted opportunities to offer Japanese customers access to launch services at Esrange, as the company seeks to respond more directly to the needs of the local space industry.
Building partnerships around orbital research and return services
The agreement follows ElevationSpace’s efforts to build partnerships around its in-orbit research and material-return services. In May 2026, the company announced a separate MoU with Japan LEO Shachu to explore an integrated service covering launch, resupply, orbital experiments and demonstrations, and material recovery. The initiative aims to contribute to Japan’s low Earth orbit infrastructure in the post-ISS era, while the new agreement with SSC Space opens another avenue for exploring cooperation with European space infrastructure providers.
“Through this MoU, by combining SSC Space’s extensive infrastructure with our in-orbit demonstration, atmospheric re-entry, and recovery capabilities, we will be able to offer flexible, high-value options for space environment utilization to global customers,” added Ryohei Kobayashi, Co-founder and CEO, ElevationSpace. “Under this partnership, we look forward to laying a solid foundation for our future missions in the European market while continuing our push toward realizing our mission of ‘creating a world where everyone can live in space’.”
