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JAXA Space Technologies rapid Evaluation Program on Small satellite
JAXA Space Technologies rapid Evaluation Program on Small satellite
JAXA Space Technologies rapid Evaluation Program
on Small satellite
– JAXA-STEPS –
JAXA Space Technologies rapid Evaluation Program on Small satellite (JAXA-STEPS) was launched in 2025 through the integration of several existing JAXA programs related to small satellites. The new program provides an efficient one-stop mechanism for rapidly delivering proof-of-concept (PoC) opportunities for missions and critical technologies that benefit both the public and private sectors. JAXA-STEPS will accelerate co-creation by leveraging JAXA’s research and development infrastructure and engaging private-sector and academic partners. It will also strengthen JAXA’s capacity to promote research and development, increase the frequency of demonstration missions, and connect technological development with society.
About JAXA-STEPS
1. Driving and Accelerating R&D through Rapid and Timely Demonstration of Future Missions and Technologies Using Small Satellites
- Bring together private-sector and academic stakeholders to identify innovative and foundational missions and technologies that will be needed in the future and can be used by both government and industry. By leveraging the unique strengths of each stakeholder, promote ambitious R&D initiatives and conduct rapid, timely demonstrations.
- In response to the current shortage of demonstration opportunities in Japan, ensure the availability of a broad range of opportunities for conducting demonstrations in space.
- Accelerate R&D and technology acquisition by making timely and appropriate adjustments to development plans based on demonstration results.
2. Enhancing Industrial Competitiveness by Securing Flexible Demonstration Opportunities, Including the Use of Commercial Services
- Through regular and flexible demonstration opportunities, promote the early commercialization of R&D outcomes, facilitate their implementation in society, including integration into supply chains, and support the diversification of launch services.
- When securing opportunities for space demonstrations, make appropriate use of commercial demonstration and launch services for small payloads to establish an effective division of responsibilities between JAXA and industry while improving usability.
3. Strengthening Technological and Human-Resource Foundations through R&D in the Small-Satellite Community
- Foster a small-satellite community in Japan and create a virtuous cycle from research and analysis to on-orbit demonstration. By promoting collaboration among community members, establish recurring R&D and demonstration cycles and accelerate hypothesis validation in technology development.
- Establish mechanisms that enable rapid and iterative R&D and demonstration cycles, thereby strengthening the technological foundations of research, development, and industrial competitiveness while cultivating the next generation of professionals required for sustainable growth.