CarbonFly Supplies Carbon Nanotube Tether for STARS-X Project's Space Debris Capture Technology Demonstration

CarbonFly Inc. (Koto-ku, Tokyo), which develops and sells high-performance carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their manufacturing equipment, has supplied CNT-based tether material to the ultra-small satellite STARS-X project developed by STARS Space Service (SSS), the space and education division of Chubu Nihon Plastic Co., Ltd., and Prof. Nomi’s Laboratory at Shizuoka University. This tether will serve as a rope to secure dummy space debris during a technology demonstration of 'space tether-based debris capture.' High-strength, lightweight CNTs—essential for the realization of space elevators—are now contributing to space development.

Experiment Model: SSS, Prof. Nomi’s Laboratory at Shizuoka University

SEM Image of CarbonFly’s CNT

◾️ Background and Purpose

In recent years, space debris accumulating in Earth’s orbit has become a major threat to artificial satellites and the International Space Station (ISS). As one solution, research and development are underway on debris capture and removal systems that leverage high-strength, lightweight fiber technologies.

◾️ The Role of Fishing Line Manufacturing Technology in Space

A composite fiber developed by combining lightweight, durable carbon nanotubes with the precise braiding technology honed by Y.G.K. Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture; President: Takafumi Saito) in fishing line manufacturing possesses the characteristics of a lead material (conductive wire) used to connect debris capture nets. The performance of this material will be tested in space during this technology demonstration. It is expected that the long-developed 'fishing line manufacturing technology' and CarbonFly’s high-quality CNTs will contribute to preserving the space environment.

◾️ The STARS-X Project Using Ultra-Small Satellites Developed by SSS and Shizuoka University’s Nomi Laboratory

The ultra-small satellite STARS-X project has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as part of its 'Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3' program, with the theme 'Technology Demonstration of Space Debris Capture Using Tether Technology.'

SSS (STARS Space Service) is the space and education division of Chubu Nihon Plastic Co., Ltd. Collaborating with institutions such as Shizuoka University and CarbonFly, SSS supports ultra-small satellite development projects and conducts outreach activities to make space more accessible to the public.

◾️ Y.G.K. Co., Ltd.

A manufacturer specializing in the production and sale of fishing lines (fishing lines), particularly known for its PE lines, where it ranks among the top producers in Japan and globally. Known under the brand name 'XBRAID,' the company utilizes its proprietary manufacturing plants to produce a wide range of high-quality fishing lines.

◾️ CarbonFly Inc.

CarbonFly Inc. is a startup founded in Tokyo in 2022 by materials scientist Ten Fi. The company has established the world’s first mass production technology for ultra-high-quality CNTs, previously considered extremely difficult. CNTs produced through the company’s proprietary technology can take various forms—powders, fibers, films—and are accelerating future innovations across diverse fields, from lithium-ion batteries to aerospace, mobility, and energy.