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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KSAT and ArkEdge Space

The companies will work together across ground network solutions, maritime domain awareness, Lunar and the space segment.

This partnership builds on KSAT and strong space capabilities and reflects a shared ambition to support ArkEdge Space’s success and growth – the Tokyo-based space technology startup specializing in the development and operation of micro-satellite constellations. Established in July 2018, the company offers comprehensive solutions encompassing satellite design, manufacturing, ground station operations, and related software services from LEO to Lunar orbits and beyond.

The companies’ joint efforts will focus on enabling both LEO operations and future Lunar missions, and KSAT look forward to contributing to ArkEdge Space’s continued journey in the global space domain. For KSAT, this aligns very much with the direction of the company, to support growth of startups, enabling them to succeed and rapidly develop technology that support this scalability.

KSAT strongly supports the development of Japanese technology and partnering on Norwegian and Japanese developments in the maritime domain is one of key roles we can contribute with, given the rich history as maritime nations.

KSAT CEO and President and ArkEdge Space CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo signed the MOU during EXPO2025 in Japan.   

Constellation management, expansion of the global ground network and scalable satellite operations are key to KSAT’s Integrated Mission Services (IMS). Now, we can explore this also in the Lunar domain, as ArkEdge Space will develop solutions for future missions.

Kenneth Olafsson, Representative Director of KSAT Japan says:

"KSAT is excited to be working with ArkEdge Space and has been following the growth and ambitions since its inception. We see many opportunities and synergies that will be important to foster and support in many areas such as maritime applications, technology development and even Lunar mission operations. Scalability of small satellites and constellation management is a key element in our cooperation".

ArkEdge Space is involved in a variety of programs such as the maritime domain program, the comet interceptor mission, and lunar navigation developments for upcoming missions.

Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space says:     

“We are delighted to launch this new initiative with KSAT to build a more flexible, scalable satellite operations framework beyond the Asia-Pacific region. By combining our strengths, we anticipate strong synergies in satellite bus technology, payload integration, and mission data sharing. This partnership also serves as a strategic bridge between Japan and Norway in advancing space science and innovation. ArkEdge Space remains committed to cross-border collaboration in satellite data and scientific missions, while continuing to pioneer new value creation in the global space industry.

ArkEdge Space is involved in a variety of programs such as the maritime domain  program, the comet interceptor mission, and lunar navigation     developments for upcoming missions.

Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space says:     

“We are delighted to launch this new initiative with KSAT to build a more flexible, scalable satellite operations framework beyond the Asia-Pacific region. By combining our strengths, we anticipate strong synergies in satellite bus technology, payload integration, and mission data sharing. This partnership also serves as a strategic bridge between Japan and Norway in advancing space science and innovation. ArkEdge Space remains committed to cross-border collaboration in satellite data and scientific missions, while continuing to pioneer new value creation in the global space industry.”

 From left) Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Rolf Skatteboe, President and CEO of KSAT, Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space, Jun Kazeki , Director-General of the National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office. 
 

All images: ArkEdge Space