D-Orbit, a scale-up revolutionising the concept of logistics and space transport, announced today that it has signed a launch services contract with ArkEdge Space, a Japanese microsatellite systems integrator, for a series of launches aboard D-Orbit\u2019s ION Satellite Carrier.<\/p>\n\n
Under the agreement, D-Orbit will provide its ION launch service for a number of missions, integrating ArkEdge Space\u2019s satellites onto the ION and deploying them into sun-synchronous orbit on launches scheduled between 2027 and 2028. The contract builds on ION\u2019s flight experience, which includes 23 successfully completed missions to date, and on its proven versatility as a spacecraft capable of transporting satellites into orbit and releasing them individually into separate orbital slots, thereby reducing the time from launch to operational readiness and the overall cost of access to space. <\/p>\n\n
ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for microsatellite constellations, from planning and design through to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission to \u201cempower people with the power of satellites for a prosperous future\u201d, the company is developing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through its mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application. Building on in-orbit demonstrations of VDES and RF remote sensing technologies for maritime applications, ArkEdge Space is developing integrated satellite solutions that enhance maritime connectivity, situational awareness and data-driven digital transformation in the maritime sector. <\/p>\n\n
For ArkEdge Space, the agreement ensures reliable and flexible access to orbit at the frequency required by its expanding constellation programmes, with ION\u2019s ability to deploy satellites individually into distinct orbital slots being particularly well-suited to constellation deployment. For D-Orbit, partnering with one of Japan\u2019s leading satellite developers consolidates ION\u2019s position as the go-to logistics infrastructure for the country\u2019s small satellite sector and validates the company\u2019s regional strategy. Together, the two companies combine Japanese excellence in satellite design and mass production with European leadership in in-orbit logistics \u2013 a combination that strengthens the supply chain to deliver small satellites into orbit quickly and cost-effectively in Japan and across the entire APAC region. <\/p>\n\n
The agreement is one of the most significant ever signed by D-Orbit and represents a major step forward in the company\u2019s strategy for Japan \u2013 a market that D-Orbit regards as strategically important \u2013 and for the APAC region more generally, where the company is actively expanding its presence.<\/p>\n\n
“This contract marks a key milestone in D-Orbit\u2019s journey in Japan, a market we consider strategically vital for our growth,” said Matteo Andreas Lorenzoni, head of D-Orbit\u2019s Orbital Access business unit, in a statement – \u201cIt reflects the confidence that Japanese space companies are placing in our services and the strength of our partnership with Marubeni, whose support has been crucial in opening doors in the region. Japan is the foundation of a broader ambition: to become a leading logistics partner for the space sector across Asia.\u201d <\/p>\n\n
Central to this expansion is Marubeni Corporation, which has played a key role in finalising the contract. Marubeni acts as D-Orbit\u2019s commercial agent in the region and is also one of the company\u2019s main investors. This dual role, which combines a commercial presence with a long-term investment in D-Orbit\u2019s growth, makes Marubeni a cornerstone of the company\u2019s ambitions across the region. <\/p>\n\n
“Marubeni has long believed in D-Orbit\u2019s vision for space logistics, and this contract demonstrates what that belief can achieve,” says Ash Takao, sales development manager at D-Orbit and general manager of the Space Division at Marubeni Corporation – \u201cAs an investor in D-Orbit and a distribution partner in Japan and South-East Asia, our role is to connect the region\u2019s most ambitious space companies with world-class capabilities. Bringing ArkEdge Space and D-Orbit together is exactly the kind of partnership we want to foster, and a clear step towards building a stronger space ecosystem in Japan and across the entire APAC region.\u201d <\/p>\n\n
The signing comes as D-Orbit deepens its commitment to Japan\u2019s rapidly growing space sector, consolidating a series of agreements that are paving the way for the company to establish itself as the go-to logistics partner for the country\u2019s satellite operators and technology developers. (Pictured from left: Luca Rossettini, CEO and co-founder of D-Orbit; Jin Nakamura, general manager of Marubeni\u2019s Aerospace Department; Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkeEdge). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The agreement, reached with the support of Marubeni, consolidates D-Orbit\u2019s commitment to Japan and its growth in the Asia-Pacific region<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":183303,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_substack_draft_id":"","_substack_draft_url":"","_substack_last_pushed":"","_substack_premium":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1345],"tags":[1427,1137,2389,1323,1353],"companies":[1657],"journalist":[1518],"class_list":["post-183305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scaleup","tag-internationalization-en-2","tag-italy-en","tag-japan","tag-scaleup-en","tag-spacetech-en","companies-d-orbit-en","journalist-editorial-staff-en"],"featured_sizes_urls":{"thumbnail":{"src":"https:\/\/www.startupbusiness.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/orbit-piccola.jpg","width":150,"height":99,"crop":false,"srcset":false,"alt":"Japan Space"},"large":{"src":"https:\/\/www.startupbusiness.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/orbit-piccola.jpg","width":1024,"height":675,"crop":false,"srcset":false,"alt":"Japan Space"},"2048x2048":{"src":"https:\/\/www.startupbusiness.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/orbit-piccola.jpg","width":1720,"height":1134,"crop":false,"srcset":false,"alt":"Japan Space"}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n