Selection of Private Companies for “Kibo” Paid Utilization (Non-Standard Service)

March 26, 2025

Selected as a Private Business Operator for the Paid Utilization (Non-Standard Service) of the “Kibo” Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station (ISS)

We are pleased to announce that three companies—Kanematsu Corporation, Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS), and DigitalBlast Inc.—from the consortium “SORAxIO,” in which our company participates, have been selected as private business operators for the paid utilization (non-standard service) of “Kibo” by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as of March 10, 2025.

“Kibo” is the largest experiment facility on the International Space Station (ISS) and is used for various experiments and research that take advantage of space’s unique environment, including microgravity.

There are multiple methods for conducting space experiments in “Kibo.” The “paid utilization (non-standard service)” allows missions tailored to specific requests, with features such as exclusive use of results by the user and the ability to keep results confidential.

For inquiries regarding “Kibo” paid utilization, please contact the email address below:

Inquiry email address: soraxio3@digitalblast.co.jp

Introduction of SORAxIO Participating Companies

Kanematsu Corporation (https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/)

Committed to expanding the space business, including the introduction of satellites and ground stations. Also working to provide added value through synergies with U.S. company Sierra Space and Oita Spaceport.

Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) (https://www.jamss.co.jp/)

Utilizing over 15 years of experience in operating and supporting paid utilization of the ISS and “Kibo” to implement space missions.

About SORAxIO:

SORAxIO is a consortium formed by private companies promoting space business, with the motto “A New Step Toward Expanding the Space Utilization Market.” It aims to pave the way for the era of private space stations.

For more details, please visit: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000035.000042485.html

About Non-Standard Services:

Non-standard services refer to “Kibo” utilization services provided by JAXA, excluding high-quality protein crystal growth, electrostatic levitation furnace usage, ultra-small satellite deployment, and external port usage via the medium-sized exposure experiment adapter (i-SEEP).

For more details, please visit the JAXA website: https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/kibouser/