Projects

JAXA-STEPS was launched through the integration of several existing JAXA programs related to small satellites. It 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.

This program is part of the strategic promotion of projects in the satellite development and demonstration platform under the “expansion of satellite development and utilization infrastructure” as indicated in the basic plan for space policy to provide opportunities to demonstrate equipment, parts, microsatellites and CubeSats developed by private companies, universities, research institutions, etc.

This program aims to realize disruptive satellite technology to enhance Japanese space industry capability. It utilizes micro and small satellites as technology demonstration platform, and employs agile process to keep up with rapid technology advancement.

CRD2 Phase II is a JAXA project to remove large Japanese space debris with private partners, advancing global efforts and strengthening Japan’s on-orbit services industry.

Multi-sensing Observation Lidar and Imager Demonstration (MOLI) Project will observe forests in three dimensions as Japan's first laser forest observation mission.
MOLI uses LIDAR technology, which acquires vertical information that cannot be observed by ordinary cameras, to accurately observe the height of forests and the ground elevation, contributing to the understanding of forest biomass and the creation of highly accurate 3D maps.

This R&D project will conduct ground demonstrations of large-aperture optical antenna (telescope) technology.
The technology enables wide-area, high-resolution, continuous observation from geostationary orbit, and can respond quickly to observation requests in the event of disasters and other emergencies.

This initiative aims to further reduce costs and strengthen international competitiveness for the next generation beyond the H3 rocket by developing reusable first-stage technology, which has traditionally been expendable.
The project will incorporate Japan’s unique technological strengths and plans to advance flight demonstrations efficiently through international collaboration with the French and German space agencies.

This project promotes R&D to acquire innovative technologies needed to realize both a “next-generation flagship rocket” with significantly reduced costs and a “new private-sector-led space transportation system,” in line with national space transportation policy.