Japan’s Space Future: Interstellar to Lead Satellite Formation Flight Innovation with JAXA

Interstellar Technologies Inc. (Interstellar), a pioneering space infrastructure company, has been selected for the High Accuracy Satellite Formation Flight Technology program under the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Space Strategy Fund. The company has formally entered into a commissioned research agreement with JAXA to drive this initiative forward.

The program focuses on developing next-generation formation flight technology, enabling precise coordination and control of numerous femto-satellites in orbit. This advancement aims to enhance Japan’s global competitiveness in the space sector.

To realize this vision, Interstellar will collaborate with five leading Japanese engineering institutions: Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Shonan Institute of Technology, and the University of Aizu.

The project’s ultimate goal is to enable the deployment of large-scale antennas in space—laying the foundation for advanced broadband satellite communication systems capable of directly linking to smartphones and vehicles.

As Japan’s first private company to integrate launch vehicle development with satellite communications, Interstellar is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for flexible, high-frequency launches. By leveraging its proprietary launch capabilities, the company aims to drive innovation across both satellite and launch domains—contributing to the advancement of Japan’s space ecosystem.