JAXA has selected an array of micro-satellites and CubeSats, and seven on-orbit demonstration missions in the category of parts, components, and subsystems for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 mission. Those missions will be demonstrated onboard the flagship RAISE-3 (Rapid Innovative Payload Demonstration Satellite-3).

Missions Integrated on RAISE-3

LEOMI:

On-orbit demonstration of the world’s first application of satellite Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) telecommunication technology to a LEO satellite targeting large downlink capacity, and on-orbit demonstration of IoT protocol free transmission technology to demonstrate the feasibility of IoT platform realizing coverage extension.

SDRX:

On-orbit demonstration of a high-speed flexible software receiver using a signal processing board with COTS parts, enabling on-orbit reconfiguration and extension of its function. Digital development with simulation is applied instead of breadboard testing to aim a short-term development.

GEMINI:

On-orbit evaluation of commercial GPU enabling ultra-high-speed computation. Model-based development is applied to the development of software to aim a short-term development.

KIR:

On-orbit demonstration of micro-propulsion system using water as propellant. Two types of propulsion systems are integrated to enhance a potential adaptivity to various missions.

TMU-PPT:

On-orbit demonstration of Pulse-Plasma Thruster enabling lowpower and low-cost small propulsion system using solid propellant, aiming to be applied to micro and small satellites.

D-SAIL:

On-orbit demonstration of deployable membrane structure aiming to increase atmospheric drag and orbital decay rate by deploying membrane structure at the end of operation.

HELIOS:

On-orbit demonstration of lightweight deployable membrane structure with power generation and antenna function, aimed to enhance the capability of small satellite in terms of power generation, large capacity of communication, and high resolution observation.

Mission Definition

• To provide appropriate on-orbit demonstration opportunities to the seven selected demonstration missions.
• To enhance global competitiveness of domestic space industries in Japan as a result of those missions.

System Specifications

• Operational period: 1 month for Commissioning Phase, 13 months for Nominal Operation Phase
• Orbit: Sun-synchronous Orbit (initial), Altitude: 560km (nominal), Inclination: 97.6deg (nominal), Local Time Descending Node: 9:30am
• Dimension: Approximately 1m x 0.75m x 1m
• Mass: Less than 110kg
• Power generation: More than 215W at BOL, More than 180W at EOL
• Communication: S-band for telecommand: Uplink: 4kbps, Downlink: 64kbps X-band for mission data and stored telemetry, Downlink: 16Mbps
• Attitude control: 3-axis stabilized, Earth pointing for nominal attitude

Courtesy of JAXA

Epsilon is a Japanese solid-fuel rocket built specifically to address the need for lower launch costs for science missions and replace the M-V rocket.

Development began in 2007 with a first launch on September 14th, 2013.

The first four flights were all successful, with a price tag for each launch of $38 million, about half that of its M-V predecessor.

A slow launch rate of just four missions in seven years plagued the rocket in the beginning; however, seven upcoming missions are currently planned over the next four years.

Epsilon can fly with either three or four stages depending on mission needs and can place up to 1,500 kg in low Earth orbit.

Image Credit: JAXA

The Uchinoura Space Center, is a space launch facility in the Japanese town of Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Before the establishment of the JAXA space agency in 2003, it was simply called the Kagoshima Space Center.

All of Japan's scientific satellites were launched from Uchinoura prior to the M-V launch vehicles being decommissioned in 2006. It continues to be used for suborbital launches and has also been used for the Epsilon orbital launch vehicle to this day.

The first launch of the Epsilon rocket from this launch site was performed in September 2013.