Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1
Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1 is a mission to demonstrate various experimental devices and technology in space. It is the first flight in the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, managed by the JAXA Research and Development Directorate. The mission includes several spacecraft, the largest being RAPIS-1, along with six smaller satellites. It was successfully launched on 18 January 2019.
Overview
Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1 is a mission purposed to provide a flight opportunity for technology and ideas put forward by universities and private companies. Payloads flown on the mission will be tested in space for a year, and the operational data gained will be given to the developers. According to JAXA, the goal of this program is to test high risk, innovative technology that will lead to the space industry gaining competitiveness in the international field. The call for proposals was announced in 2015, and selection results were announced in February 2016. A total of 14 projects were selected; however a proposal by IHI Corporation, the "Demonstration experiment of a innovative ship information receiving system" was later dropped, making the number of projects reaching space 13. Seven projects will be tested on board the satellite RAPIS-1, either as parts or components. Three projects are flying as microsatellites, and three more as CubeSats. The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1 marked the first multi-satellite launch by Epsilon rocket.| Project | Type | Agency |
| NBFPGA | Part | NEC Corporation |
| HXTX / XMGA | Component | Keio University |
| ? | Component | IHI Corporation |
| GPRCS | Component | J-spacesystems |
| SPM | Component | J-spacesystems |
| DLAS | Component | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| TMSAP | Component | JAXA |
| Fireant | Component | Chubu University |
| MicroDragon | Microsatellite | Keio University |
| RISESAT | Microsatellite | Tohoku University |
| ALE-1 | Microsatellite | ALE Co., Ltd. |
| OrigamiSat-1 | CubeSat | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| Aoba VELOX-IV | CubeSat | Kyushu Institute of Technology |
| NEXUS | CubeSat | Nihon University |
RAPIS-1
RAPIS-1 is a satellite within Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1 that will demonstrate selected projects as either parts or components. Of the 13 projects, 7 will be demonstrated on board RAPIS-1. The satellite was developed by Axelspace Corporation, a startup company focusing on small satellite development and application, and is the largest satellite to date the company developed. According to reports by Japanese media, the satellite was the first case for JAXA to contract a private company to manage the entirety of a satellite, from its development to its operation.Payload
- The NanoBridge based Field Programmable Gate Array is a compact FPGA using atomic switches. NBFPGA was developed by NEC Corporation.
- High data rate X-band Transmitter / X-band Middle Gain Antenna was developed by Keio University.
- The Green Propellant Reaction Control System is a propulsion system to demonstrate the use of less-toxic fuel. GPRCS was developed by Japan Space Systems, a space agency under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
- The Space Particle Monitor was developed by Japan Space Systems, and is an orbital environment monitor using commercial-off-the-shelf products. Most orbital measuring instruments thus far were designed for large satellites and are bulky and costly, while SPM is small, light, and inexpensive, making it suitable for small satellites to carry. According to Japan Space Systems, by monitoring radiation SPM will help determine the cause of satellite failures.
- The Deep Learning Attitude Sensor is a dual use Earth sensor and star tracker applying deep learning. Images taken will be analyzed by deep learning, and the results will be sent to ground stations, effectively conducting edge computing in space. DLAS was developed by Tokyo Institute of Technology, and is aiming for commercialization.
- The Thin Membrane Solar Array Paddle is a thin-film solar cell that will be unfolded in space. It consists of five panels, each with one-fifths the weight of traditional honeycomb rigid panels. TMSAP was developed by JAXA.
- Fireant was developed by Chubu University.
MicroDragon