Orbital Lasers Co., Ltd. Aiming for the World's First Commercial Use of Space-based Laser Technologies

Jan 30, 2024

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President & Chief Executive Officer: Eiichi Yonekura, “SKY Perfect JSAT”) announced the establishment of Orbital Lasers Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & Chief Executive Officer: Tadanori Fukushima, “Orbital Lasers”) as of January 12, 2024. This milestone follows the announcement in June 2020 to design and develop the payload of the world's first*1 satellite for space debris removal using laser technology, in collaboration with the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) *2. As a result of this progress, a startup was born from SKY Perfect JSAT.

Orbital Lasers will not only engage in space debris removal but also aims to further utilize and develop its laser technologies. By incorporating space-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)*3 technology into satellites, the company aspires to become the world's first*1 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 earth observation LiDAR satellites system and its future commercialization, on January 12, 2024. Orbital Lasers is scheduled to undertake this conceptual study under contract from SKY Perfect JSAT.

In our everyday lives, we use information from space for various purposes, including weather forecasts and GPS location data, contributing to the establishment of a secure society and enhancing our overall well-being. Moreover, space-based services play a crucial role in disaster situations, offering a valuable means to assess the extent of damage and facilitate emergency communication. The significance of space systems, as infrastructure supporting the economy and society, is anticipated to continue to increase in the future.*4

Since the launch of Japan's first commercial communication satellite “JCSAT-1” in 1989, SKY Perfect JSAT has been a pioneer in the space business, providing satellite services in Japan and overseas for over 30 years. In 2018, an internal startup program was established to explore next-generation businesses, and a project aimed at maintaining a sustainable space environment was initiated. Through collaborative efforts between industry and academia, the project progressed with research and feasibility studies, leading to the further development and utilization plans for space-based laser technologies. As a result, two new businesses involving space debris removal and Satellite LiDAR have been launched.

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 & CEO, Orbital Lasers - 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 & CEO, SKY Perfect JSAT - 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. -  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.

Fullerton Hotel, Sydney
3  & 4 June 2024
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