JAXA Introduces New CubeSat Launcher

The Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) to cut costs of satellite launches and has installed it on the International Space Station.

The satellite deployer is designed to launch mini-satellites CubeSats from the station, using the JEM Remote Manipulator System, which works similar to a small robotic arm and was displayed in the Small Sat Deploy-Demo. CubeSats are approximately 4-inch cubes weighing no more than 2.7 pounds, producing its own power with solar panels and able to transmit signals.

Thaicom Scores Exclusive Ipstar Service Deal in China

Thaicom, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, signed an initial agreement with a unit of Hong Kong-based Synertone Communication to become the new provider of its Ipstar services in China.

Thaicom said the agreement makes Synertone the sole provider of Ipstar service capacity available for mainland China. The Chinese market accounts for about 24 percent of total capacity of its Ipstar satellite, which is the company’s biggest spacecraft. Thaicom added that it may buy an equity stake in Synertone and that a final agreement between Thaicom and Synertone must be signed by March 31.

Thuraya Partners with SoftBank Mobile for Japanese Satellite Network Service

Thuraya Telecommunications and Japanese telecoms company SoftBank Mobile have partnered to provide Japanese business, enterprise, and consumer subscribers across Thuraya’s satellite network with mobile satellite communication services.

Softbank Mobile has been approved to provide Thuraya’s satellite network services in Japan. Starting February 2013, Thuraya’s handsets and airtime services will be sold to customers from SoftBank Mobile’s distribution channels.