Space One and Space BD, two Japanese companies, have been awarded a contract by the Japan Ministry of Defense for the launch of a small optical imaging satellite. The satellite will be constructed by Canon Electronics. The announcement, made on May 28th, did not reveal the contract's financial value or the projected launch date.
Space BD will manage the launch services, with Space One executing the launch using their Kairos small launch vehicle. This represents Space BD's inaugural dedicated launch contract, having previously facilitated satellite launches as rideshares and from the International Space Station. "Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to Japan’s national security, the advancement of the commercial space industry, and the long-term sustainability of space activities,” stated Masakazu Toyoda, president and chief executive of Space One.
The Kairos vehicle, a four-stage solid-fuel rocket with a capacity of up to 150 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbits, has faced setbacks. Two previous launch attempts ended in failure; one due to first-stage underperformance, the other due to attitude control loss. Despite these challenges, Space One aims for up to 20 launches annually by 2030, launching from their private Spaceport Kii in southern Honshu. Company officials recently confirmed preparations for another launch, though a precise date remains unannounced.