Successful Orbital Insertion and Communication with Ground Station Achieved for Ultra-Small Satellite 'VERTECS'

A research team comprising the National University Corporation Kyushu Institute of Technology (hereinafter referred to as Kyushu Institute of Technology), Kwansei Gakuin University, and Tokyo City University (incorporated foundation Goshodo Educational Foundation) has been developing the satellite 'Visible Extragalactic background RadiaTion Exploration by CubeSat (VERTECS: Vertex)' for the observation of cosmic visible background radiation. VERTECS was selected in the satellite development phase of the first call for proposals under JAXA's 'Program to Expand Industry-Academia-Government Transport and Ultra-Small Satellite Missions (JAXA-SMASH)', implemented by JAXA's New Business Promotion Department.

This satellite is a 6U-sized (100mm x 226mm x 340mm) ultra-small satellite equipped with a visible-light telescope, aiming to unravel the history of celestial formation by observing the 'cosmic background radiation'—the total amount of light emitted from the early universe to the present.

On June 12, 2026, at 9:53:59 AM Japan Standard Time (24-hour format), the H3 rocket No. 6 (Test Vehicle 30 configuration) was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center. The satellite was safely deployed into its designated orbit, and communication with the operational ground station was successfully established. The team is currently verifying satellite functions step by step. Moving forward, after completing the initial operations (critical phase), the team will proceed with the observation mission and work toward generating scientific outcomes.

Ultra-small satellite 'VERTECS' 'VERTECS' logo mark

Initial operation verification at Kyushu Institute of Technology

Participating Institutions

This project is being conducted through industry-academia-government collaboration as follows:

JAXA-SMASH

Participating Institutions

Kyushu Institute of Technology / JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) / Kwansei Gakuin University / Tokyo City University / Kanazawa University / Tokyo University of Science / University of Fukui / Cosina Co., Ltd. / CERULEAN Co., Ltd. / Image Tech Inc.

International Collaboration

Research Institutions

National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan) / National Chung Hsing University (Taiwan)

Comments from Representatives of Participating Institutions

1. Kyushu Institute of Technology (Lead Institution)

Representative: Kei Sano (Assistant Professor, Department of Space System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering)

We are deeply grateful to all involved for their support, as we have successfully confirmed the satellite launch, orbital insertion, and communication with the ground station. VERTECS is Kyushu Institute of Technology's first astronomical satellite. We plan to continue astronomical observations and advance data analysis. We appreciate your continued support.

2. Kwansei Gakuin University

Representative: Shuji Matsuura (Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science)

Our university has led the development of the observation instrument to achieve the scientific mission. After initial operations, we will proceed to instrument testing. Imagining that the instrument, carefully developed with our students, will continuously send observation images and create four-color sky maps on an unprecedented scale, my heart leaps with excitement.

3. Tokyo City University

Representative: Takao Nakagawa (Specially Appointed Professor, Comprehensive Research Institute)

We are eagerly awaiting the observation data from VERTECS. Our members have participated since the conceptual stage of the VERTECS satellite and have made significant contributions throughout various phases of satellite development. Furthermore, we will lead the satellite's initial operations and receive a large portion of the observation data via a dedicated antenna installed at our Setagaya Campus.

(References)

About VERTECS

https://vertecs-project.com/en/home-en/

Press Conference Held at Kyushu Institute of Technology for Ultra-Small Satellite 'VERTECS' — Tackling the Mystery of Celestial Formation History by Observing Cosmic Background Radiation in Visible Wavelengths (Kyushu Institute of Technology website: Held on May 14, 2026)

https://www.kyutech.ac.jp/whats-new/press/entry-12116.html

Successful Orbital Insertion and Communication with Ground Station for Ultra-Small Satellite 'VERTECS' — Tackling the Mystery of Celestial Formation History by Observing Cosmic Background Radiation in Visible Wavelengths (Kyushu Institute of Technology website)

https://www.kyutech.ac.jp/whats-new/press/entry-12173.html