Space BD
Space BD is a Tokyo-based space services company providing satellite launch brokerage, ISS Kibo microgravity utilization, in-orbit demonstration, component procurement, and space-industry training, serving pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, government agencies, and enterprises seeking space-based research or commercial activities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Space BD does
Space BD is a Tokyo-based space services company founded in September 2017 by Masatoshi Nagasaki (a former Mitsui & Co. trading-house executive), positioned as Japan's first "space trading company" (宇宙商社). The company provides integrated space services across three business domains: (1) Space Infrastructure, covering satellite launch support, in-orbit demonstration, satellite transport logistics, and component procurement; (2) Microgravity Utilization, covering ISS Kibo module experiments, life-sciences research support, and proprietary experiment system development; and (3) Space × HR Development, covering the HURDLES satellite-development training program and next-generation talent cultivation. Its core technology asset is exclusive usage rights to the i-SEEP external experiment platform on the ISS Kibo module, plus an in-development Low Earth Orbit Versatile Experiment System targeting post-ISS operations from 2029 onward.
The customer base spans pharmaceutical and life-sciences companies (protein crystallization, cell culture, drug development research), academic institutions (Gakushuin, Keio, Yamagata, University of Tokyo, Clark Memorial International High School), government agencies (JAXA as anchor, Wakayama Prefecture, Tokyo Metropolitan Government), and enterprises across food and beverage (Rinjin Minarui ramen space exposure), traditional crafts (Gyokusuido copperware), and corporate training buyers (Unilever Japan, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, AOKI Holdings). The business model is primarily project-based professional services with multi-year contracts; pricing is custom and not publicly disclosed. The go-to-market is sales-led with engineering teams integrated into the sales process for technical consultation, and includes dedicated channels for corporate events (Space Symposium, NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK) plus content marketing and PR.
As of late 2025/early 2026, Space BD reports cumulatively handling 100+ satellites and 600+ space experiments, with 51-100 employees headquartered in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. The company has raised approximately $30.9M cumulative across six funding rounds, the most recent being a ¥2.4 billion (~$15.4M) Series C in January 2026 led by Mitsubishi HC Capital alongside a capital and business alliance. Operating geographies now span Japan, Australia, France, and the United States, with new product lines (Port Modules with Arkisys, LEO experiment system, HURDLES training) added in late 2025 and early 2026.
Space BD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Space BD
- Legal name
- Space BD株式会社
- Website
- https://space-bd.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Space BD is a Tokyo-based space services company providing satellite launch brokerage, ISS Kibo microgravity utilization, in-orbit demonstration, component procurement, and space-industry training, serving pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, government agencies, and enterprises seeking space-based research or commercial activities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Space BD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Services / Satellite Launch Brokerage
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
Keywords
Where Space BD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Space BD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Launch Services: Satellite launch support services providing optimal rocket selection and technical coordination for satellite deployment. Revenue generated through service fees for launch arrangement, technical support, and integration services.
- ISS Utilization Services: Services utilizing the ISS Kibo Japanese Experiment Module for microgravity experiments, including life sciences experiments and technology demonstrations. Comprehensive support from planning through sample return.
- Component Procurement Services: Procurement and sales of space equipment and components for satellites and rockets. Includes global supplier network services, technical specification adjustment, ordering management, and import/export services.
- Education Services: Human resources development programs in space industry including satellite development training (HURDLES), corporate training programs, university curriculum development, and K-12 education programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing for ISS microgravity utilization services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Space BD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Space BD provides end-to-end space services as Japan's first "space trading company" (宇宙商社). The company handles satellite launch coordination (rocket selection, integration, and technical support), ISS Kibo utilization for microgravity experiments (life sciences, materials, in-orbit demonstrations), space component and equipment procurement with global supplier networks, and space-focused workforce development through the HURDLES program. Services span business planning, regulatory procedures, transportation logistics, launch operations, and orbital demonstration support for customers in research, enterprise, and government sectors.
Product overview
Space BD operates as a comprehensive space services company offering integrated solutions across the space industry value chain. The core portfolio includes satellite launch support services, ISS (International Space Station) Kibo utilization services, microgravity experiment platforms, and space education/training programs. Products are organized into three main business domains: Space Infrastructure (satellite launch, in-orbit demonstration, transportation, component procurement), Microgravity Utilization (ISS Kibo experiments, space experiment system development), and Space × HR Development (HURDLES training programs, next-generation talent development). The company serves academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and enterprises seeking space-based research, satellite deployment, or space industry workforce development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Satellite Launch Support Services (衛星打上げ支援サービス) Comprehensive satellite launch coordination services including optimal rocket selection, technical integration support, and launch preparation assistance for satellite operators and developers.
- In-orbit Demonstration Services (軌道上実証サービス) Utilizes ISS external platforms (i-SEEP) and satellites for technology demonstration, supporting payload development through launch, operation, and data acquisition for enterprise and research customers.
- One-stop Satellite Transport Service (衛星輸送ワンストップサービス) End-to-end logistics service handling export procedures, dangerous goods permits, and transportation coordination for satellite delivery domestically and internationally.
- Hardware and Components Procurement Service (部品/コンポーネント調達支援サービス) Sourcing and procurement support for satellite and rocket components, including supplier identification, contract negotiation, and import/export handling for enterprise customers.
- Microgravity Utilization Platform (微小重力利用プラットフォーム) ISS Kibo-based platform supporting life sciences and materials experiments, providing project planning, procedure handling, transportation, and orbital demonstration support for research and enterprise customers.
- Space Experiment System Development (宇宙実験システム開発) Development of low Earth orbit general-purpose experiment systems targeting life sciences, enabling automated processes, remote operation from ground, and multi-sample simultaneous experiments.
- HURDLES Satellite Systems Development Program (宇宙産業人材 実践型育成プログラム) Satellite development training program offering on-demand courses, workshops, and bootcamps based on CubeSat methodology, aligned with Cabinet Office Space Skills Standard, for corporate, educational, and government clients.
- Next-Generation Talent Development (次世代人材創出) Space-focused education programs including space experience education, space design thinking training, and entrepreneurship education targeting students from elementary school to working adults.
Quantifiable outcome
- 600+ space experiments completed with over 100 satellites handled
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Space BD
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Space BD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Space BD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.
- Unseenlabs SAS (France)coreStrategic partnership memorandum signed on April 1, 2026, during French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Japan. Aims to secure and diversify launch means in Japan and further develop space business ecosystem between France and Japan. Space BD has previously contributed to Unseenlabs' global business through satellite launches. Ceremony attended by French Minister Philippe Baptiste and Japan's Cabinet Office Director Jun Kazuki, highlighting bilateral government support.
- Yamagata UniversitycoreContract for 'Benibana-Sat' (Safflower Satellite) project support. Space BD provides technical consulting and HURDLES education program for university satellite development aimed at creating sustainable space industry ecosystem in Yamagata Prefecture.
- Arkisys, Inc.coreCollaboration to develop and demonstrate Port Modules for space platforms, supporting diverse mission types in orbit including on the ISS. Partnership aims to accelerate development and operational readiness of platforms through on-orbit demonstrations using Space BD's services, with focus on robotic servicing and future space infrastructure.
- Inovor Technologies (Australia)majorMemorandum of understanding for Japan-Australia space collaboration. Aims to promote Australian launch and satellite services to Japanese customers and strengthen bilateral space business cooperation.
- Gilmour Space (Australia)majorBusiness partnership for satellite launch and procurement support services. Gilmour Space provides launch services while Space BD supports Japanese customers with procurement and integration services for Australian launch opportunities.
- Keio University (Graduate School of System Design and Management)coreJoint development of 'UNIVERSE UNIVERSITY' - a cross-disciplinary space business talent creation program. Collaboration with Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) and Benesse Corporation to provide comprehensive space business education including lectures on Udemy, case studies, workshops, internships, and business camps.
- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)flagshipSelected as the sole private partner for high-quality protein crystallization experiments on ISS Kibo since 2021. Recipient of JAXA Space Strategy Fund for 'Low Earth Orbit Versatile Experiment System Technology' development. Also awarded 'Life Science Experiment Orbital System Concept Study for Future LEO Human-Rated Space Station' contract for post-ISS era planning.
- SPACE VALUE (合同会社SPACE VALUE)corePartnership on 'UP花巻' (Hanami Space Project) combining satellite development program with local industry revitalization. SPACE VALUE handles satellite mission planning while Space BD provides launch and ISS utilization services. YODAKA satellite developed by Hanami Kita High School students was successfully launched via SpX-31.
- Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.corePartnership for space industry ecosystem construction at Nihonbashi area. Space BD is based at Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower and collaborates with Mitsui Fudosan on X-NIHONBASHI TOWER space industry co-creation initiatives. Space BD President Nagasaki serves as supporter for CrossU, an open platform for space industry activation.
- ArkEdge Space Inc.corePartner for satellite development and manufacturing. ArkEdge Space handles development, manufacturing, and operation of satellites for projects including YODAKA satellite and HURDLES educational program. Co-developed CubeSat-based satellite development curriculum for Space BD's HURDLES program.
- University of Tokyo (Nakatsuka/Funase Laboratory)coreAcademic partnership with leading CubeSat research laboratory for space education projects. Provides expertise on latest space development technologies and guidance for satellite development programs with high schools and universities.
- Unilever JapanminorSpace business game-type training program for Unilever Japan management level employees. Provided team building, conflict management, and decision-making training using space business simulation to support innovation mindset development.
- Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.minorFirst implementation of space business and venture management themed corporate training program. Provided business game simulation focusing on decision-making skills, cross-border experiences, and team management.
- AOKI Holdings (Entrepreneurship Education)minorPartnership for entrepreneurship education targeting middle school students. Space BD serves as secretariat for planning and operation of program developed by AOKI for nurturing future entrepreneurs.
- Gakushuin UniversitycoreFirst-in-Japan university-wide common subject 'Space Utilization Theory' (宇宙利用論) jointly developed curriculum. Provides liberal arts education and practical learning opportunities on space utilization for all faculties.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Tokyo Olympics Organization CommitteeminorSpace BD employees have backgrounds in Tokyo Olympics Organization Committee, bringing experience in large-scale event management and public sector coordination to space business development.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Space BD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Arkisys: US-based space platform developer building Port Modules for on-orbit infrastructure — Space BD's collaboration partner with overlapping vision of in-orbit servicing platforms.
Direct peers
- Astroscale: Japan-headquartered in-orbit servicing company focused on debris removal and satellite life extension — comparable Japanese peer operating in on-orbit services, though with a more specialized debris focus.
- Gilmour Space Technologies: Australia-based launch services company developing Eris orbital rocket — direct partner to Space BD for Japan-Australia launch services, comparable as a regional launch broker.
- D-Orbit: Italy-based in-orbit transportation and satellite deployment services company with proprietary orbital transfer vehicle — overlaps with Space BD's in-orbit demonstration and satellite deployment offerings.
- Momentus Space: US-based in-space transportation services provider offering orbital transfer and hosted payload services — competes in the in-orbit services segment alongside Space BD's i-SEEP and demonstration work.
- Nanoracks (Voyager Technologies): US-based commercial space services company providing ISS utilization, in-space services, and satellite deployment — directly comparable to Space BD's Kibo utilization and launch brokerage business.
- Exolaunch: Germany-based launch services and satellite integration broker with global rideshare capabilities — competes with Space BD's satellite launch support and rideshare coordination services.
Regional players
- ispace: Japan-based lunar exploration company developing lunar landers and rovers — comparable Japanese private space company with shared investor base and policy ecosystem, though focused on lunar rather than LEO.
- Axelspace: Tokyo-based satellite company operating the AxelGlobe Earth observation constellation and providing microsatellite services — Japanese space sector peer with overlapping customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Mitsubishi Electric (Space Systems): Major Japanese aerospace prime building satellites, ground systems, and space electronics — represents the incumbent that Space BD brokers alongside and that could vertically integrate Space BD's service niches.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Space BD social profiles
Digital presenceSpace BD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Space BD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Space BD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors20 records
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Space BD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Space BD
What does Space BD do?
Space BD provides end-to-end space services as Japan's first "space trading company" (宇宙商社). The company handles satellite launch coordination (rocket selection, integration, and technical support), ISS Kibo utilization for microgravity experiments (life sciences, materials, in-orbit demonstrations), space component and equipment procurement with global supplier networks, and space-focused workforce development through the HURDLES program. Services span business planning, regulatory procedures, transportation logistics, launch operations, and orbital demonstration support for customers in research, enterprise, and government sectors.
Is Space BD a public or private company?
Space BD is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Space BD founded?
Space BD was founded in 2017. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Space BD based?
Space BD is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Space BD make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Launch Services are the primary driver. The others are ISS Utilization Services, component Procurement Services and education Services.
Who are Space BD's main competitors?
Arkisys is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Astroscale, Gilmour Space Technologies, D-Orbit, Momentus Space, Nanoracks (Voyager Technologies) and Exolaunch. Regional players are ispace and Axelspace. Mitsubishi Electric (Space Systems) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Space BD have an API?
No public API is recorded for Space BD.
What industry is Space BD in?
Space BD's product category is Space Services / Satellite Launch Brokerage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAM, Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal), with a secondary code of IMABACAD, Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR). Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.