ArkEdge Space, Inc. (Headquarters: Koto Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Takayoshi Fukuyo; hereinafter "ArkEdge Space"), a company providing comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of ultra-small satellite constellations, is developing a lunar positioning demonstration satellite as an implementing body for the "Lunar Positioning System Technology" technical development theme of the Space Strategy Fund operated by the National Research and Development Agency Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). We are pleased to announce that as part of this project, we have established a new "Shinkiba Lab" in Shinkiba, Koto Ward, Tokyo, as a manufacturing base for the 100kg-class lunar positioning demonstration satellite, and have transitioned to the manufacturing phase for the demonstration satellite to be launched towards the Moon.

Shinkiba Lab Overview Location: Shinkiba, Koto Ward, Tokyo Purpose: Development and manufacturing of lunar positioning demonstration satellite for the Space Strategy Fund "Lunar Positioning System Technology" Main Facilities: Cleanroom, various measurement equipment Operation Start Date: July 2026 (scheduled)

Background of the Space Strategy Fund "Lunar Positioning System Technology" As activities such as exploration, transportation, rover operation, and resource exploration on the Moon expand in the future, PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) infrastructure, which is responsible for positioning, navigation, and time synchronization, is considered one of the important foundational technologies supporting future lunar activities.

In this context, ArkEdge Space has been sequentially working on the development of lunar positioning payload systems, the development of lunar positioning demonstration satellites using 100kg-class ultra-small satellites, and the examination of operation systems and mission evaluation systems since being selected as the implementing body for this project in November 2024.

For future social implementation, ArkEdge Space is proceeding with development with consideration for interoperability with "LunaNet," an international lunar communication and positioning framework, and with awareness of interoperability and compatibility with LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS) and LunaNet Signal-In-Space Recommended Standard (LSIS). Furthermore, with an eye toward the future expansion of communication and positioning use on the Moon, ArkEdge Space is participating in early international frequency coordination and is also considering signal specifications, frequency utilization, and interference effects in receiver and transmitter design. In the lunar positioning demonstration mission, which will be conducted after actually deploying the lunar positioning satellite into lunar orbit, ArkEdge Space plans to demonstrate the transmission and reception of LNSS signals using the lunar positioning satellite and a lunar surface positioning signal receiver placed on the Moon. The Shinkiba Lab will be used to develop and manufacture the demonstration satellite and related equipment for such demonstrations.

For project details, please also refer to the press release dated November 29, 2024, at the time of selection: https://arkedgespace.com/news/2024-11-29_jaxaspacestrategyfund_lnss

Image of the lunar positioning demonstration satellite under development

Major Initiatives to Date Through multiple contracts with JAXA, ArkEdge Space has been progressively advancing studies toward the realization of lunar positioning and lunar communication infrastructure. In 2022-2023, the infrastructure architecture design was carried out; in 2022-2024, technical demonstration mission studies were conducted; and in 2023-2024, prototype development of the positioning payload was performed.

Furthermore, ArkEdge Space has been engaged in feasibility studies for the regular operational service (FOC: Full Operational Capability) of the Lunar Positioning Satellite System (LNSS) from 2030 onwards, and has also been studying receivers for LANS signals, which is the general term for positioning signals standardized by LNIS/LSIS. These efforts are part of ongoing technical studies with a view to future service provision and receiver development and manufacturing.

For details on the FOC study project, please refer to the press release dated April 30, 2026: https://arkedgespace.com/news/2026-04-30_lnss

About ArkEdge Space, Inc.

ArkEdge Space is a space startup company that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of ultra-small satellite constellations.

Aiming to realize "a safer and more prosperous future for people through satellites," ArkEdge Space will in the future build ultra-small satellite constellations compatible with Earth observation, satellite communication for ships (satellite VDES), optical communication, and low-orbit satellite positioning. Furthermore, the company will respond to diverse mission needs such as building satellite infrastructure for lunar activities and deep space exploration, and promote the development and utilization of space that is accessible to everyone.

Headquarters Location: 3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

CEO: Takayoshi Fukuyo

Established: July 2018

WEB: https://arkedgespace.com/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
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