June 2024
Interstellar Technologies Inc.

Interstellar Technologies Begins Research on Formation Flying
Satellite Communications: Commissioned by Ministry toConnect Terrestrial Terminals with Space Networks

Hokkaido, Japan – Interstellar Technologies Inc. (“Interstellar”), a leading space infrastructurecompany dedicated to addressing global challenges through space transportation and utilization, ispleased to announce its selection for the "Expanding Wireless Communication Spectrum Research
Project" commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Aﬀairs and Communications for ﬁscal 2024. This
project, conducted in collaboration with ﬁve national universities—Iwate University, OsakaUniversity, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, and Niigata
University—aims to advance satellite development and enhance vertical integration in the rocketindustry.

Joint Research with Leading Japanese Universities
The research theme is "Narrow Multi-Beam Formation Technology for Frequency Sharing between
Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Ground Terminals," with a ﬁrst-year budget of 2.7 billion yen and athree-year duration (*1). High-speed satellite communication has recently emerged as a viable
alternative in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure, led by SpaceX's Starlink system, which
deploys numerous low Earth orbit satellites operating as a 'satellite constellation.' Globally, there
are plans to develop next-generation satellite communications that connect directly tosmartphones and other ground terminals without dedicated antennas.
This research aims to establish core technologies in wireless systems and inter-satellite
information processing to enable multiple femto-satellites to operate in formation ﬂying,
functioning as a large-scale antenna. This approach will achieve speeds and capacities comparable
to terrestrial networks, supporting numerous simultaneous connections and eﬃciently utilizinglimited radio resources. The goal is to realize Interstellar's vision of 'Satellite Communication 3.0.'*1 Source: Ministry of Internal Aﬀairs and Communications:
https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_news/s-news/01kiban09_02000513.html

Institutional Comments:
Takahiro Inagawa, Chief Executive Oﬃcer of Interstellar Technologies Inc.
The satellite communication market is poised for signiﬁcant growth, presenting an ideal
opportunity to leverage our strengths in rocketry. We are grateful for the collaboration withexperts and the opportunity to develop next-generation satellite communication technologies. Ourinnovative approach of constructing antennas through formation ﬂying has garnered positivefeedback. At Interstellar, we are committed to enhancing Japan's leadership in the communication
sector through our dedicated eﬀorts.

Naoki Honma, Professor of Iwate University
I am honored to take part in this technologically advanced and challenging project focusing onsatellite antennas to achieve frequency sharing. I hope to contribute from the viewpoint ofantenna and signal processing during the research and development phase.

Hirozumi Yamaguchi, Professor of Osaka University
I am delighted to be part of a technological development project set to shape the foundation offuture space communications. With the goal of a world where everyone and everything on Earth isseamlessly connected, I will dedicate my eﬀorts to explore various facets related to informationand communication technology and computer science.

Atsushi Shirane, Associate Professor of Tokyo Institute of Technology
I am delighted to participate in such a challenging project. I will give my utmost eﬀort to makecontributions in implementing integrated circuits for lightweight satellite wireless transceivers,
to achieve weight reduction and cost-eﬃciency.

Keiichi Yasumoto, Professor of Nara Institute of Science and Technology
I feel very pleased to join this project. Although it presents a very challenging task, I ﬁrmly believethat the impact when realized would be immeasurable. I will put forth my utmost eﬀorts from theperspective of computer science to solve this challenge.

Minoru Okada, Professor of Nara Institute of Science and Technology
It is an honor to be part of this project, and I am deeply committed to its success. The project,which aims to establish next-generation mobile communication through satellite constellations, isa signiﬁcant endeavor. With my expertise in wireless signal processing, I am determined toconfront the challenges head-on and contribute to its success.

Minsok Kim, Associate Professor of Niigata University
I am thrilled to undertake this impactful challenge of connecting mobile phones to space. While
there are numerous technical hurdles, I believe we can overcome them one by one, drawing upon
the collective wisdom of all those involved.

Interstellar Technologies Inc.
Interstellar is a dynamic Japanese start-up with a vision of making space accessible to everyone
through low-cost and convenient space transportation services. Headquartered in Taiki, Hokkaido,
Interstellar's product development extends across ﬁve locations, including branches in Tokyo,Fukushima, and Obihiro, as well as a laboratory at the Muroran Institute of Technology.
Interstellar has achieved three successful spaceﬂights with suborbital launch vehicle MOMO,
making it Japan's ﬁrst private company to reach space. Currently, Interstellar is developing theorbital class launch vehicle ZERO. Additionally, Interstellar leads Our Stars, a satellite
development project, pioneering Japan's vertically integrated rocket-satellite service.
Location: 149-7 Memu, Taiki, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
Representative: Takahiro Inagawa, Chief Executive Oﬃcer
Business: Space Transportation Services
https://www.istellartech.com/enInquiries about coverage of this issue
Satomi Takahashi / Mika Nakagami, Communications, Interstellar Technologies Inc.
E-mail: press@istellartech.com