Proprietary Multi-Payload Deployment Systems Function Successfully In Orbit, Marking a Significant Milestone for Private Sector-Led Expansion of Commercial Space Utilization
Space BD Inc., a space business operator that provides various services including satellite launches and microgravity research on the ISS, is pleased to announce the successful execution of its launch integration support on June 12, 2026. This support covered all six payloads, including payloads launched under our “H3 Rocket Rideshare Service”, aboard the H3 Launch Vehicle flight No. 6 (30 configuration Test Vehicle). The H3 Launch Vehicle lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 09:53:59 (JST).
Furthermore, during this mission, the newly developed Interface Plate (*1), designed to deploy multiple payloads from a single payload port, and the Modular Deployment Sequencer (MDS) (*2), which distributes and controls deployment signals, functioned as designed, and deployment confirmation signals were successfully received.
This launch support solidifies the expansion of commercial utilization through private sector-led rideshare services and represents a solid step forward in advancing Japan's space utilization to the next stage.
*1 Development Partner: CHUO ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
*2 Development Partner: Innovative Solutions In Space (ISISPACE), Netherlands
H3 Launch Vehicle flight No. 6 (30 configuration Test Vehicle) Liftoff (Credit: JAXA)
This mission was realized not merely by providing launch slots, but by leveraging Space BD’s comprehensive capabilities in technology and business development to provide end-to-end rideshare launch services throughout the process leading up to the launch:
- Providing the First Commercial Rideshare Launch Slots on Japan’s Flagship Rocket:
Based on the Basic Agreement (*3) signed with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2019, Space BD provided rideshare slots for four payloads, marking the first-ever case of a commercial rideshare launch service on Japan's flagship H3 Launch Vehicle.
- Technical Coordination of All Six Payloads for the H3 Launch Vehicle:
Space BD managed the technical coordination for all six payloads onboard this launch, including the four from the rideshare slots.
- Newly Developed Multi-Payload Deployment Systems:
In collaboration with CHUO ENGINEERING CO., LTD., Space BD newly developed an Interface Plate that enables the deployment of multiple payloads from a single payload port. During this development process, with the cooperation of Tokuda Industries Co., Ltd., an approach was adopted to design and manufacture validation mass dummies (weights) to identify environmental testing levels for individual payloads and support technical reviews in the early stages of development. Additionally, with the cooperation of ISISPACE, the Modular Deployment Sequencer (MDS) that distributes and controls deployment signals was tailored to be compatible with the H3 Launch Vehicle.
- Providing Maritime Transportation Services:
For the maritime transportation of certain payloads to Tanegashima, Space BD supported the acquisition of the Approval for the Maritime Transport of Dangerous Goods, which is required for transporting payloads equipped with lithium-ion batteries (*4).
It is a profound honor to have supported our payload customers onboard the H3 Launch Vehicle. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our collaborative partners who worked alongside us to develop and implement the multi-payload deployment systems, and to all the organizations that contributed to the success of the H3 Launch Vehicle—most notably, JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The dedication of all involved enabled us to successfully execute this rideshare mission.
In addition to providing the launch slots, our mission included the critical and foundational processes of the rideshare service such as the engineering and implementation of the multi-payload deployment systems, test approaches for the payloads, and the maritime transportation approvals for lithium-ion batteries. Despite the significant challenges along the way, the heartfelt and powerful support from all participants led to the successful completion of our first commercial rideshare service with Japan’s flagship rocket.
We will continue to contribute to the space business and the growth of the space industry.
Space BD is a one-stop service provider committed to advancing the commercial utilization of space. Its services span a wide range—from launching small satellites via commercial rockets and the International Space Station, to supporting pharmaceutical research through protein crystallization in microgravity.
With end-to-end capabilities, Space BD provides comprehensive support including business planning, market research, and hands-on technical operations. As of June 2026, the company has supported over 100 satellite projects and accumulated a track record of more than 670 space experiment samples, and successfully supported over 40 in-orbit demonstration experiments in space environments.
URL: https://space-bd.com/en/