Kanematsu partners with US-based Vector Launch to expand the availability of small launch vehicles throughout Japan and other Asian markets

March 14, 2018

On the heels of its strategic investment in Vector made in January 2017, Kanematsu Corporation ("KG") has entered into an exclusive representative agreement with Vector, a nanosatellite launch company comprised of new-space and enterprise software industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Sea Launch and VMware, to sell its products and services in Japan and three Asian countries including India, Thailand and South Korea. Based on the execution of this representative agreement, KG will provide customers with services stimulating demand for micro-satellite launch throughout Asia.

"The commercial space industry is booming and Vector has seen a significant increase in demand for small satellite launch services leading up to our orbital launch," said Shaun Coleman, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and GM of Space Data Systems of Vector. "With many new launch service opportunities materializing across Asia, we are looking forward to establishing a presence in the region through our partnership with KG."

Despite growing demand in the micro satellite launch market, customers today can only launch these micro satellites using heavy, large launch vehicles, often waiting years for their launch. Vector changes the way companies access space by providing a service dedicated to small satellites that enables customers to launch their 10 – 150kg class micro satellites into a desired orbit at their preferred timing, at a much lower cost.