Japan Space Systems

What Japan Space Systems does

Japan Space Systems (一般財団法人宇宙システム開発利用推進機構, J-spacesystems) is a general incorporated foundation (nonprofit) supervised by Japan's Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Formed through the April 2021 merger of Japan Space Systems with the Satellite Positioning Utilization Promotion Center (SPAC), the organization operates with 11–50 employees across satellite systems, earth observation, satellite positioning, and satellite data utilization. It functions primarily as a government-affiliated research and program-management body rather than a commercial operator.

Core products span earth observation data products, sensor payloads, and analytic platforms. Notable assets include the ASTER GDEM global digital elevation model at 30-meter resolution covering 83°N to 83°S (released to public domain as Version 3 in August 2019), the ASTWBD water body dataset, the HISUI hyperspectral imaging sensor (185 spectral bands, installed on the ISS Kibo module since December 2019), and the TIRSAT thermal-infrared ultra-small satellite (launched February 2024 aboard Japan's H3 rocket). The foundation also operates the GDSS GIS Data Sharing System, the FIELDNAUT smartphone GNSS field survey application, and conducts applied research on Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS), including a long-distance wireless power transmission flight test completed in December 2024.

The business model is project-based, funded through Japanese government commissions (principally via METI), JICA international technical cooperation projects, and select data distribution services. International engagement is supported through the Japan Booth platform (operated since 2016), which promotes Japanese small-satellite companies at events such as the Small Satellite Conference in Utah and Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen starting in 2026. Named counterparties include NASA (joint ASTER GDEM development), the Paraguay Space Agency (AEP), UNESCAP, JETRO, and a network of universities including Keio, Akita, Kyushu, and the Kyushu Institute of Technology. As a supervised nonprofit foundation, Japan Space Systems does not publicly disclose revenue.

Name

Japan Space Systems

Legal name

一般법인宇宙システム開発利用推進機構

Website

https://www.jspacesystems.or.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Japan Space Systems is a Tokyo-based nonprofit foundation supervised by Japan's Cabinet Office and METI that develops satellite sensors (HISUI, TIRSAT), distributes earth observation data products (ASTER GDEM, ASTWBD), and manages the Japan Booth platform supporting Japanese small-satellite companies internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Technology and Satellite Data Services

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Space Research and Technology (927), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK), Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)

Keywords

• Satellite remote sensing
• Earth observation data
• Hyperspectral imaging
• GIS data services
• Space technology research

Headquarters

HQ city

Minato

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Commissioned Projects: J-spacesystems operates as a general incorporated foundation supervised by Japan's Cabinet Office and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), implementing government-commissioned projects for space technology development and utilization
2. JICA Technical Cooperation Projects: International technical cooperation projects commissioned by JICA for developing countries, including human resource development and satellite data utilization training
3. Data Distribution Services: Distribution of ASTER GDEM and ASTWBD data products; version 3 changed to public domain enabling free distribution

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Japan Space Systems is a general incorporated foundation that develops, operates, and distributes satellite observation and positioning systems and data products. It executes government-commissioned space technology projects (including the HISUI hyperspectral sensor on the ISS and the ASTER GDEM global elevation model), provides satellite data utilization tools (GDSS, FIELDNAUT), and runs international technical cooperation and training programs for developing countries via JICA.

Product overview

Japan Space Systems (一般財団法人宇宙システム開発利用推進機構) is a public interest foundation supervised by Japan's Cabinet Office and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The organization operates satellite observation and positioning systems, develops satellite data utilization technologies, and promotes international cooperation in space. Its core products include ASTER GDEM (global digital elevation model), ASTWBD (water body database), HISUI hyperspectral sensor, and various satellite data analysis platforms. The organization merged with the Satellite Positioning Application Center (SPAC) in April 2021, expanding its capabilities to include satellite positioning services. Services encompass remote sensing training programs for developing countries, international business support through Japan Booth exhibitions, and research on Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS). The organization also develops proprietary tools including GDSS (GIS Data Sharing System) and FIELDNAUT field survey application for environmental monitoring applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FIELDNAUT: A smartphone GNSS application for field investigation, developed by the organization for location recording with photos and text.
• GDSS (GIS Data Sharing System)
• Japan Booth
• GuaraniSat Project Support

Products and services

• ASTER GDEM (Global Digital Elevation Model) Global digital elevation model covering all land surfaces on Earth, generated from ASTER satellite stereoscopic imagery. Available at 30-meter posting intervals with validated vertical accuracy of 7-14m standard deviation. Distributed as public domain data since version 3.
• ASTWBD (ASTER Water Body Database) Global water body dataset classifying water areas as sea, lake, or river with corresponding elevation data. Covers 83°N to 83°S with 22,886 tiles. Distributed in GeoTIFF format with same tile structure as ASTER GDEM.
• HISUI (Hyperspectral Imager SUIte) ISS-mounted hyperspectral sensor covering visible to shortwave infrared wavelengths with 185 continuous spectral bands. Designed for global-scale high-resolution observation of land surfaces for mineral distribution, vegetation classification, and agricultural crop monitoring.
• SSPS (Space Solar Power System) Research Program Space-based solar power generation research program. Investigates wireless power transmission from space to Earth, including microwave and laser technologies for delivering solar energy collected in orbit. Part of Japan's long-term energy strategy.
• GDSS (GIS Data Sharing System) Lightweight webGIS platform for mapping and sharing geospatial data. Designed for operation on notebook PCs with low system requirements. Enables local government staff to map and visualize collected data without specialized IT expertise. Used for plastic waste monitoring in ASEAN cities under UNESCAP Closing the Loop project.
• FIELDNAUT Smartphone application for field surveys using GNSS positioning. Records location information with photos and text annotations for field data collection. Supports geoJSON and KML format export for data sharing. Available for iPhone via App Store.
• TIRSAT (Thermal Infrared Ultra-Small Satellite) Ultra-small satellite equipped with thermal infrared sensor for environmental monitoring. Launched on H3 rocket Test Vehicle No. 2 in February 2024. Part of Japan's small satellite technology development program.
• Japan Booth International Exhibition Program International business platform supporting Japanese companies in the small satellite sector to expand into overseas markets. Exhibits at Small Satellite Conference in Utah, USA and Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany. Provides exhibition space, networking events, and business matching services.
• Satellite Data Utilization Training Programs Human resource development programs for remote sensing and GIS technology in developing countries. Includes JICA-commissioned training courses for mineral exploration, aquaculture monitoring, and environmental assessment. Internship programs for international students from ABE Initiative, Kizuna Program, and Innovative Asia scholarship recipients. Over 80 international students have participated since program inception.
• GuaraniSat Development Support Program Technical cooperation for Paraguay's small satellite development program. Supported development of GuaraniSat-1 and GuaraniSat-2 satellites including engineering model testing. Includes satellite data application development for flood hazard mapping and agricultural monitoring in Paraguay.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• NASA (USA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Joint development of ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (ASTER GDEM) with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). NASA provides satellite data from Terra spacecraft's ASTER sensor; J-spacesystems handles data processing and global distribution.
• JICAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan International Cooperation Agency commissions J-spacesystems to implement human resource development programs for developing countries. Programs include satellite remote sensing training, GIS data analysis, and internship placements for ABE Initiative, Kizuna Program, and Innovative Asia scholarship students.
• UNESCAPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in UNESCAP's 'Closing the Loop' project to monitor plastic waste flowing from ASEAN cities to the ocean. Develops digital tools including GDSS and FIELDNAUT for citizen-based plastic waste monitoring.
• Keio University (清木研究室)coreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on AI development for plastic waste monitoring. Jointly developing 'Spectral AI' using unique infrared absorption properties of plastic materials (1,660nm-1,740nm wavelength range) for automated classification from satellite imagery.
• Akita UniversitymajorTechnology or IntegrationCooperation for geological surveys and training in resource exploration using remote sensing. Provides technical lectures and field surveys at Tsur玉川温泉 and Kaoku regions for JICA training programs.
• Kyushu UniversitymajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on specialized lectures including XRD analysis, geology, geothermal engineering, and renewable energy for sustainable resource development. Provides academic expertise for JICA training programs.
• Kyushu Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported Paraguay's first small satellite 'GuaraniSat-1' development. Provided engineering model testing support for GuaraniSat-2 successor satellite. Conducted graduate-level training for Paraguay AEP engineers.
• Pasco CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPart of project consortium with J-spacesystems and Japan Space Forum for Paraguay space cooperation project. Provides satellite data analysis and mapping expertise for international development projects.
• Japan Space ForumcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPart of project consortium with J-spacesystems and Pasco for Paraguay space cooperation project. Provides industry coordination and project management support.
• JAXAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on satellite positioning systems and small satellite development. Supported Paraguay AEP's GuaraniSat-1 development alongside Kyushu Institute of Technology.
• Genesia CorporationmajorTechnology or IntegrationDevelops Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter (LCTF) sensor technology for material identification. Sensor scheduled for launch on JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration 3. Collaboration on plastic waste monitoring using LCTF technology.
• METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary supervising ministry alongside Cabinet Office. Commissions J-spacesystems for space technology development projects including HISUI hyperspectral sensor development and SSPS research.
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration on overseas business support for Japanese companies participating in Japan Booth exhibitions. Provides business matching and consultation services for international market entry.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales): French national space agency operating EO programs and international cooperation agreements with developing countries. Comparable as a government-affiliated space organization pursuing similar international technical cooperation and Earth observation distribution mandates.
• DLR (German Aerospace Center): Germany's national aerospace research center operating Earth observation programs and international cooperation. Comparable as a publicly funded aerospace R&D and international cooperation entity that JSS partners with via Space Tech Expo Europe.
• Maxar Technologies: U.S.-listed satellite imagery and space infrastructure company providing high-resolution EO data and DEM products. Comparable as a peer global geospatial data provider competing with JSS ASTER-based products at the high-resolution commercial tier.
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): U.S. national space agency and JSS's joint development partner on ASTER GDEM. Comparable in that both conduct Earth observation and operate flagship remote sensing data programs, but NASA is a far larger federal agency with broader mission scope.
• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): Japan's national space agency; JSS operates as a complementary implementation foundation under the same supervising ministries, often partnering with JAXA on satellite positioning, small satellite projects, and ISS payloads (HISUI). Comparable in mission space, but JAXA is a much larger government agency.
• ESA (European Space Agency): European intergovernmental space agency that operates Earth observation programs (Copernicus/Sentinel) and funds international cooperation projects analogous to JICA. Comparable as a peer-level international space cooperation organization with multi-country member model.

Direct peers

• KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services): Norwegian ground station operator providing TT&C and data downlink services globally. Comparable to JSS in operating space-data ground infrastructure and serving international satellite operators across multiple geographies.
• SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd): Surrey Space Centre spin-out and global leader in small satellite development, including international cooperation satellite programs (e.g., with Nigeria, Kazakhstan). Directly comparable to JSS's TIRSAT and GuaraniSat small-satellite development activities.

Emerging players

• Planet Labs PBC: Commercial Earth observation constellation operator delivering daily global imagery. Comparable to JSS's ASTER GDEM/ASTWBD mission of providing global geospatial data, but Planet is a venture-backed commercial operator with significantly faster refresh cadence.

Others

• UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs): UN body coordinating international cooperation in space and capacity building for developing countries. Comparable to JSS's JICA-funded international cooperation mandate and adjacent to JSS's UNESCAP Closing the Loop partnership work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/japanbooth_smallsat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/japan-space-systems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Japan Space Systems