Mitsubishi Electric and 4 other companies have jointly launched a concept for a large-scale satellite constellation originating in Japan. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding, they aim to build comprehensive space infrastructure integrating not only communications but also Earth observation, positioning, and space data processing.
Mitsubishi Electric, NTT, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, MUFG Bank, and Development Bank of Japan have begun work on building a large-scale satellite constellation originating in Japan. The 5 companies announced on the 9th that they had jointly signed a memorandum of understanding on the 6th to study the project.
The concept aims to create comprehensive infrastructure integrating multiple functions into a single large satellite network, including not only satellite communications but also Earth observation, PNT, and space data centers that process data in space.
The specific number of satellites and launch schedule have not been disclosed, but the network is reportedly expected to potentially comprise several thousand satellites in the end. The companies have also indicated a policy of procuring equipment and satellites from Japan and overseas and incorporating foreign technologies such as stackable structures.
Space transportation also presents challenges, and domestic launch capacity alone may be insufficient. Combining overseas launch resources, such as those of PLD Space, is considered a realistic possibility, and details are awaited.