Japan Space Systems

Did You Know?

• JSS does not have its own launch vehicle; it has used the H-IIA, M-3S, or Russian rockets.
• In 2008, METI mentioned the possibility of JSS developing an air-launched vehicle for small payloads.

History

Japan Space Systems was created on March 30, 2012, through the merger of three organizations: the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer, the Earth Remote Sensing Data Analysis Center, and the Japan Resources Observation System Organization. It operates as a General Incorporated Foundation under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In 2021, the Satellite Positioning Research and Application Center merged into JSS, becoming one of its divisions.

Completed missions

The Experiment Re-entry Space System (EXPRESS) was a 745 kg satellite for microgravity experiments and re-entry technology testing, conducted with ISAS (now JAXA) and DLR of Germany. Launched on 15 January 1995 aboard an M-3S rocket, its orbit was lower than planned due to a rocket problem; the re-entry capsule was later found in Ghana. SERVIS-1, an 840 kg technology test mission using COTS parts, launched on 30 October 2003 on a Rockot rocket and lasted two years. SERVIS-2, a 900 kg technology test mission with COTS parts, continued SERVIS-1 experiments and launched on 2 June 2010 on a Rockot rocket.