SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has established Orbital Lasers Co., Ltd. — this milestone follows the announcement in June of 2020 to design and develop the payload of the world’s first (based on SKY Perfect JSAT research) satellite for space debris removal using laser technology, in collaboration with the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN – Satellite Orbital State Control Laser Laboratory (Japanese Web page).
Orbital Lasers will engage in space debris removal as well as further use and develop its laser technologies. By incorporating space-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that measures the distance to and shape of a target object by emitting laser light and using information obtained from the reflected light) technology into satellites. The new company aspires to become the world’s first commercial provider of high-precision ground surface information through the use of satellite LiDAR.
In connection with this Satellite LiDAR business, SKY Perfect JSAT and JAXA entered into a contract regarding the conceptual study of EO LiDAR satellites system and their future commercialization, this occurring on January 12, 2024. Orbital Lasers is scheduled to undertake this conceptual study under contract from SKY Perfect JSAT.
Orbital Lasers will engage in the following businesses…
- Space Debris Removal — Detumbling (DTB): Development and sales of payload capable of detumbling space debris *Planned in FY2025, and, Active Debris Removal (ADR): Service to remove space debris *Planned in FY2029
- Satellite LiDAR — Earth Observation (EO): Provision of ground surface information using Satellite LiDAR *Planned
The issue of space debris is now regarded as an environmental problem as significant as global warming and marine plastic pollution. SKY Perfect JSAT and Orbital Lasers are earnestly addressing this concern and aiming to contribute to the improvement of a sustainable space environment.
Tadanori Fukushima, President and CEO, Orbital Lasers, said, ” In my 14 years of experience in satellite operations, I have always been highly concerned about the impact of space debris on the space environment. Consequently, I applied for an internal startup program and engaged in research and development of space debris removal with universities, research institutions, government agencies, companies, and experts to advance its business development. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people involved in the establishment of Orbital Lasers. Furthermore, during this progress, we were able to discover new possibilities using space-based lasers, leading to the Satellite LiDAR Business. Through Orbital Lasers’ initiatives, we aim to contribute to society by further enhancing the usability of space.”
Eiichi Yonekura, Representative Director, President and CEO, SKY Perfect JSAT, said, “I am deeply honored that we have finally been able to establish this new company through the startup program—an employee-initiated new business proposal system—that we launched in 2018. As a leader in the space industry, SKY Perfect JSAT will continue to aim for further business expansion and embrace challenges, seeking not only to create the next new businesses but also to generate new business models and values, including through partnerships with other companies.”
Setsuko Aoki, Outside Director, SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings Inc., said, “The Orbital Lasers Co., Ltd. has started two world’s first businesses through state-of-the art lasers technology: aiming to provide high-quality Earth information; and protect orbits as ‘limited natural resources’ by active debris removal. This is not just a new venture. This also qualifies as a part of Japan’s contribution to the global society whose urgent needs include the safe and sustainable use of outer space. As an outside director, I am most proud of the innovative enterprise on which both companies have embarked.”
View the Orbital Lasers Concept Movie at this direct link…