Japan’s sole space and satellite engineering and development venture business, Astro Research Corporation, is proud to announce the start of the world’s first personal satellite and launch service available as of June 9, 2006 with Astro Research Corporation’s in-house-developed MySat-1 small satellite offered as “MySat Personal Service”.

MySat-1, along with four additional small satellites models in our MySat Series lineup, targets commercial businesses, scientific and technical communities, and public institutions.

MySat Personal Service allows any individual or organization to purchase, customize, and use their own 25x25x25cm MySat-1 small satellite to launch into low earth orbit any suitably sized valuables or mementos up to 5kg that are placed inside MySat-1 using MyBox, a specially prepared cube container 10cm in size.

MySat-1 owners will be able to know the location of their satellite at any point in time, as well as having the opportunity to hear the satellite’s radio signal as it passes by overhead.

For the total price of ¥100million, tax included, we offer the following MySat package:

  • MySat-1 satellite design, development, fabrication, testing and quality control
  • Individual sole right of use to a MySat-1 satellite
  • Satellite launch service (mainly by piggyback)
  • Satellite operation service including communication with satellite, tracking, and deorbit
  • Additional services including the tour for launching, monitoring equipment of satellite location, mock-up of MySat-1 and MyBox.

MySat-1 and the MySat Series can be considered “mini space stations” for launching anyone’s dreams into space. MySat Series small satellites offer the lowest cost for a wide range of applications, including satellite component testing in space, Earth observation and remote sensing, disaster monitoring, and customized satellite configurations.

MySat satellites are not limited to the science and technology user community. Corporations seeking a truly unique advertising platform will find MySat an unmatched opportunity.

We plan to launch ARCSat-X, the flight test model for MySat-1, in winter 2007. ARCSat-X plans to be installed with an attitude control, communications functions, CCD cameras, LCD monitors, and other payloads to provide still images of Earth from space. And some technologies demonstration will be conducted.

MySat-1 represents Japan’s first initiative in private industry to develop, manufacture, launch, and operate small satellites.

Astro Research Corporation, Japan’s sole aerospace and satellite engineering venture business, headquartered in Yokohama, President Mr. Mitsuteru Sugiki, specializes in satellite design, launch services, satellite component development, space-related software development, and other space-related services. We continue to pursue state-of-the-art technologies for satellite systems, rocket engine design, development and operation, space consulting, space-related business solutions and space industry cooperation both within and outside of Japan. Information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice.

Please contact us for inquiries:

Astro Research Corporation (Contact: Murakawa murakawa@astro-r.co.jp )
Yurakucho Denki Bldg. South 11F, Yurakucho 1-7-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006
Tel: 03-3282-7910 Fax: 03-3282-7918
http://www.mysat.jp (only Japanese available for now)