Shizuoka University's Satellite STARS-X Successfully Launched and Inserted into Orbit by H3 Rocket Flight 6

Chubu Nihon Plastics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Representative Director: Makiko Yukishita) announces its support for the project and its expansion into the fields of space debris countermeasures and space recycling, following the successful launch and orbital insertion of the super-small satellite "STARS-X" on June 12, 2026, by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s H3 rocket flight 6 (30-configuration test vehicle). The satellite was jointly developed with Professor Hiroyuki Nomi's research group at the Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University.

Related URL: https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2026/06/20260612-1_j.html

Moment of H3 Rocket Flight 6 Liftoff

STARS-X is a technology demonstration satellite for debris capture using space tether technology, selected as a demonstration theme for JAXA's "Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program 3". It aims to conduct experiments such as extending a tether of approximately 1 km in space and having a robot move along the tether, as well as capturing dummy space debris released from its own satellite with a net.

With the success of this launch and orbital insertion, STARS-X has transitioned from the development and testing phase on the ground to the technology demonstration phase in the actual space environment. Moving forward, through satellite operations by Shizuoka University, demonstrations of missions such as 1 km tether extension, robot movement on the tether, and dummy debris capture are planned.

Chubu Nihon Plastics Co., Ltd. merged with STARS Space Service Co., Ltd., which had been promoting space-related projects with Shizuoka University, on April 1, 2026, consolidating the expertise in space-related business and technical support that the latter company had handled into our company. By combining the knowledge of circular resources cultivated in the plastic recycling business with experience in the development and operation of super-small satellites, we are engaged in research and development and commercialization in the "space recycling" domain, which goes beyond terrestrial recycling.

What is STARS-X

STARS-X is a 50kg-class super-small satellite primarily developed by Professor Hiroyuki Nomi's research group at the Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University.

STARS-X Flight Model

The main missions are as follows:

To extend a tether of approximately 1 km in space

To have a robot move on the tether

To capture dummy space debris released from its own satellite with a net

These technologies are expected to be applied in the future to fields such as space elevators, movement in space, and approaching, capturing, and removing space debris.

STARS-X was mounted on H3 rocket flight 6 after changes to its originally planned launch opportunities. H3 rocket flight 6 is a test vehicle in the "30 configuration" that does not use solid rocket boosters, and STARS-X was mounted as one of the small secondary satellites.

Chubu Nihon Plastics' Involvement

Since its establishment in 1975, Chubu Nihon Plastics has been working towards the realization of a circular society through its plastic recycling business. In recent years, through collaboration with Shizuoka University, the company has accumulated expertise in the development and operation of super-small satellites and is engaged in research and development of recycling technologies targeting space debris.

STARS-X represents one of the achievements of the STARS project that Shizuoka University has been working on for many years, and it is an ambitious demonstration combining multiple technological elements such as space tethers, robot movement, and debris capture. Inheriting the achievements of space projects promoted by STARS Space Service together with Shizuoka University, our company will continue to pursue new possibilities for resource circulation in the space field through collaboration with universities, research institutions, and local companies.

Statement from Representative

Chubu Nihon Plastics Co., Ltd. Representative Director, Makiko Yukishita

"We are extremely pleased that Shizuoka University's super-small satellite STARS-X has been successfully launched and inserted into orbit by H3 rocket flight 6. We express our sincere respect to Professor Nomi of Shizuoka University, who has been engaged in research and development for many years, and to all involved.

For our company, which has been involved in plastic recycling on the ground, resource circulation in space, including space debris, is an important research theme for the future. We believe that the demonstrations of 1 km tether extension and dummy debris capture that STARS-X aims for are a significant step towards future space debris countermeasures and space recycling technologies.

Chubu Nihon Plastics will leverage the expertise in space-related business inherited from STARS Space Service to contribute to the creation of space businesses originating from Hamamatsu and Shizuoka."

Future Developments

In future satellite operations, STARS-X will undertake demonstrations such as 1 km tether extension in space, robot movement on the tether, and dummy debris capture. The results of these will contribute to the development of future space debris countermeasures, deployment of structures in space, and space recycling technologies.

Chubu Nihon Plastics will advance research and development in super-small satellite-related businesses, space debris countermeasures, and space recycling technologies, while also strengthening collaboration with regional manufacturing industries, universities, and research institutions.

The space industry is a growth area where not only specialized companies but also diverse regional industries such as materials, precision processing, recycling, machinery, and electrical/electronics can participate. Our company aims to create technologies and businesses that contribute to sustainable space utilization by extending the knowledge gained in creating a circular society on Earth to the space sector.

Reference: Overview of STARS-X

Name: STARS-X Development Entity: Shizuoka University, Faculty of Engineering, Nomi Laboratory Demonstration Theme: Technology demonstration for debris capture using space tether technology Selection Framework: JAXA "Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program 3" Main Missions: Approximately 1 km tether extension, robot movement on tether, net capture of dummy debris Launch Rocket: H3 Rocket Flight 6 (30-configuration test vehicle) Launch Date: June 12, 2026 Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center Status: Launch and orbital insertion successful

Company Profile

Company Name: Chubu Nihon Plastics Co., Ltd. Location: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture Representative: Makiko Yukishita, Representative Director Business Activities: Plastic recycling business, environmental business, research and development of space recycling technology, etc. Keywords: