Warpspace

Warpspace is a private Japanese company developing an inter-satellite communication system based on laser communication.[1] Warpspace is developing a medium Earth orbit satellite, WarpHub InterSat, which will communicate with other satellites in low Earth orbit using optical communication, then pass on the received data to ground stations.[1][2]

Warpspace
Typesatellite data relay
IndustrySatellite communication
FoundedAugust 2016 in Tsukuba, Japan
FounderToshihiro Kameda
FateActive
Headquarters
Tsukuba
,
Japan
Productssatellite communication devices
Websitewarpspace.jp

History

Warpspace was founded in 2016 as a spin-off company of Tsukuba University.[3] In 2017, the company tested a mobile ground control station, receiving data from Tsukuba University's ITF-2 CubeSat in low Earth orbit.[4] In July 2018, Warpspace announced a 'space bridal service' in which wedding plaques were to be sent to space, by placing them on a satellite and releasing it from the International Space Station (ISS).[5][6] According to media reports, astronauts staying on the ISS were to take photographs of the satellite during its deployment.[7] The company signed a contract to deploy a satellite from the ISS's Kibo Module on 24 August 2018.[8]

In February 2020, Warpspace's first satellite, WARP-01 was unveiled during an event in Tsukuba city.[9] WARP-01 was launched and carried to space on board Cygnus NG-15, and was deployed from the ISS on 14 March 2021.[10]

Warpspace's second satellite, WARP-02 will be the first to become part of the WarpHub InterSat satellite constellation. As of 2022, WARP-02 is planned to be launched in October 2024.[11]

In 2023, Warpspace was included in the Japanese government's small business innovation research (SBIR) program.[12]

WarpHub InterSat

WarpHub InterSat is a satellite constellation for inter-satellite data relay planned by Warpspace. Each satellite will have an optical communication terminal. As of 2022, Warpspace plans to launch three satellites for WarpHub InterSat.

Warpspace contracted ReOrbit to manufacture the satellite bus,[13] and each of the satellites will be equipped with a Mynaric CONDOR Mk 3 terminal.[14] The terminals follow the Space Development Agency's Transport Layer Tranche 1 standard.[15]

The first WarpHub InterSat satellite is nicknamed LEIHO, which means sacred mountain in Japanese, in reference to Mount Tsukuba which is regarded as sacred in Shinto. LEIHO is planned to be launched in 2024.[11]

See also

References
  1. "WarpHub InterSat" (PDF). Warpspace. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  2. "Japanese SpaceTech startup Warpspace raises USD $3 Million". SpaceWatch.Global. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  3. "Lead the frontier era of space with our CubeSat technology". JAXA Business Development and Industrial Relations Department. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  4. "University of Tsukuba's Yui Project gave Warpspace Inc. boost in successful demonstration of portability of the ground control station". Tsukuba University. March 23, 2017. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  5. Ooba, Ai (August 12, 2018). "筑波大ベンチャー 結婚記念プレート 宇宙に届ける事業". The Mainichi Newspapers (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  6. "独自人工衛星で記念プレート放出する宇宙ブライダル事業が発足". 宇宙（そら）へのポータルサイトsorae.jp (in Japanese). July 18, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-01-15. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  7. Allen, Kerry (July 25, 2018). "Japanese firm to launch wedding plaques into space". BBC. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  8. "Space BD Wins First Contract after being selected as a commercial service provider※ for small satellite deployment from the "Kibo" Module｜Space BD" (Press release). Space BD. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  9. "WARP-01 FM機お披露目決定" (in Japanese). January 23, 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
  10. "つくばのベンチャー、人工衛星軌道投入に成功 宇宙で光通信挑戦". The Mainichi Newspapers (in Japanese). March 16, 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
  11. Taniguchi, Tetsuo (June 3, 2022). "2024年にも光通信衛星打ち上げ　つくばのベンチャー". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-07-29.
  12. Jewett, Rachel (2023-08-07). "Japan Selects Warpspace for Optical Communications SBIR Program". Via Satellite.
  13. "ReOrbit Completes PDR for WarpHub InterSat Constellation in MEO" (Press release). ReOrbit. December 29, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  14. "Mynaric signs order from WARPSPACE for CONDOR terminals and marks first sale in Japanese space industry" (Press release). Mynaric. January 24, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  15. Uchida, Yasushi (June 10, 2022). "筑波大発ベンチャーが世界初の事業に挑戦、光衛星通信でデータ中継". Nikkei xTech (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-07-29.
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