CubeSats Deployment from Kibo Module: A Step Forward in Space Exploration

By Om Patil · On December 06, 2024

On December 9, 2024, the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will deploy five CubeSats as part of a highly anticipated mission. These satellites, developed by various organizations, aim to conduct cutting-edge experiments and contribute to advancements in space technology.

Overview of the Deployment

The deployment will be conducted by JAXA’s JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD#30), showcasing the module's capability to launch small satellites efficiently into space. The event will be broadcast live on the JAXA YouTube channel, allowing audiences worldwide to witness this milestone.

Deployment Schedule:

First Deployment: 16:45 – 17:15 (JST) - Satellite: YODAKA
Second Deployment: 19:50 – 20:30 (JST) - Satellites: DENDEN-01, LignoSat, YOMOGI
Third Deployment: 23:00 – 23:30 (JST) - Satellite: ONGLAISAT

Details of the CubeSats

Satellite	Organization	Mission
YODAKA	ArkEdge Space Inc., Hanamaki Kita High School	Store-and-forward communication for educational purposes Earth imaging for rural revitalization
DENDEN-01	Kansai University, University of Fukui, Meijo University	On-orbit testing of advanced materials and communication devices Development of educational programs
LignoSat	Kyoto University, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.	Measurement of strain and temperature in wooden panels Two-way communication with amateur radio operators
YOMOGI	Chiba Institute of Technology	Monitoring red tide in Tokyo Bay Investigating water pollution in Uganda
ONGLAISAT	Taiwan Space Agency, University of Tokyo	High-resolution imaging with advanced TDI technology

Significance of the Mission

This deployment showcases the versatility of CubeSats in conducting diverse missions, from environmental monitoring to advanced materials testing. It also emphasizes the collaborative efforts between universities, corporations, and space agencies to push the boundaries of space research.

The use of the Kibo module as a platform for CubeSat deployment highlights its importance in advancing space technology and fostering international partnerships.

JAXA

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