Selected for JAXA Space Technologies Rapid Evaluation Program on Small Satellites (JAXA-STEPS)

CORE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Koji Yokoyama; hereafter, CORE) is pleased to announce its selection for the JAXA Space Technologies rapid Evaluation Program on Small satellites (hereafter, JAXA-STEPS), conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Through this selection, CORE will leverage the achievements of the on-board PPP technology previously developed by the JAXA Satellite Positioning System Technology Unit to develop and demonstrate an 'on-board PPP receiver for small satellites.' By utilizing the L6E signal (MADOCA-PPP) broadcast from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System 'Michibiki' and multi-frequency ranging signals broadcast from GNSS, including Michibiki, the receiver will achieve real-time, centimeter-level high-precision standalone positioning in orbit.

1. Background and Purpose of the Project

In recent years, Earth observation satellites have become crucial infrastructure for solving societal challenges, such as monitoring disaster damage, overseeing infrastructure, and managing ocean, forest, and agricultural resources. For these satellite data to be utilized quickly and accurately for disaster response and infrastructure monitoring, the precision of the satellite's orbital position during observation is critical.

Traditionally, high-precision satellite orbital positions were calculated through ground-based post-processing. On-board PPP achieves real-time, centimeter-level high-precision standalone positioning in orbit by receiving and processing the L6E signal (MADOCA-PPP) broadcast from Michibiki and ranging signals from GNSS on the satellite. This reduces dependence on ground-based post-processing, decreases data delivery time, improves the positional accuracy of satellite imagery, and advances the utilization of observation data.

Based on the Stardust Program, the JAXA Satellite Positioning System Technology Unit developed an on-board PPP demonstrator between August 2023 and December 2024, and conducted an on-orbit demonstration in fiscal year 2025 using the QPS-SAR-10 satellite within the JAXA-STEPS framework. Building on these results, this project aims to develop an on-board PPP receiver for small satellites, contributing to faster and more accurate disaster and infrastructure monitoring through improved Earth observation satellite data utilization.

2. Our Contribution and Expectations

CORE has previously developed MADOCA-PPP-compatible GNSS receivers for ground use, focusing on miniaturization and cost reduction using commercial components. In this project, we will apply this expertise, with JAXA's support, to develop a MADOCA-PPP-compatible on-board PPP receiver for small satellites. Leveraging our existing knowledge, we aim to reduce cost, size, weight, and power consumption to create a receiver optimized for small satellite integration.

3. Expected Effects

Through this initiative, CORE aims to create value toward the societal implementation of on-board PPP technology with JAXA's support. This effort is also expected to contribute to the development of skilled personnel in Japan's GNSS technology sector.

Moving forward, we plan to expand our ground-based GNSS receiver development expertise into space applications, aiming to grow our space business and contribute to the competitiveness of Japan's space industry.

4. What is JAXA-STEPS?

JAXA-STEPS is a program promoted by JAXA. It aims to accelerate research and development, expand opportunities for space demonstration, and promote the societal implementation of R&D results by providing chances for concept verification and demonstration of innovative, fundamental missions and key technologies using small satellites.