Star Signal Solutions Signs Cooperation MOU with France's Look Up to Advance Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
Star Signal Solutions and France's Look Up signed an MOU to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) by fusing radar and optical observation data.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 02:00
Star Signal Solutions Inc. (Headquarters: Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiro Iwaki; hereinafter “Star Signal Solutions”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Look Up Space (Headquarters: Toulouse, France; CEO: Michel Friedling; hereinafter “Look Up”), a company specializing in radar-based observation of space objects and debris. The MOU aims to enhance the accuracy of tracking satellites and space debris in orbit.
The signing of this MOU will be announced in conjunction with the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Japan, scheduled for April 1, 2026, and represents a symbolic initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Japan and France in the space sector.
Launch of Technical Validation Combining Radar and Optical Observations
Under this collaboration, Star Signal Solutions and Look Up will initiate technical validation activities involving the comparative analysis of their respective optical and radar observation data.
By integrating these complementary observation modalities—optical and radar—the partners will evaluate new approaches to data utilization that leverage the strengths of each method. This effort aims to enhance interoperability and advance the capabilities of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) systems in both Japan and France.
Contributing to Space Safety, Sustainability, and Security
This initiative is expected to contribute not only to the safety and sustainability of outer space but also to the realization of practical Space Traffic Management (STM), incorporating increasingly critical security considerations.
The integration of observational data across different national and technological frameworks will support broader international SSA cooperation. It is anticipated to play a key role in enabling safe, sustainable, and stable utilization of the space environment.
Comment from Mr. Wataru Takahama, Director, Space Industry Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
“At the 4th Japan–France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space held in January this year, there were discussions on advanced initiatives to address space debris, as well as on the importance of promoting international rule-making through cooperation among allies and like-minded countries. From the perspective of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this Memorandum of Understanding is recognized as an effort that will further accelerate such advanced initiatives between Japan and France. We expect that these efforts will contribute to the continued growth and development of the space industries of both countries.”
Comment from Akihiro Iwaki, CEO, Star Signal Solutions Inc.
“We have great respect for Look Up as a leading European player in radar-based space surveillance, possessing high observation capabilities and technical prowess. This partnership combines their radar observations with our optical observations to build a globally integrated Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capability.
We believe the future of space traffic management will be inherently multi-sensor and international. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to achieving a level of SSA precision that cannot be realized by single sensors, as well as to the realization of an interoperable and resilient SSA architecture. Furthermore, our company will strive to advance practical insights through the utilization of diverse observational data, contributing to the assurance of space safety and sustainability.”
*The photo, from right:
Mr. Philippe Baptiste, French Minister for Higher Education, Research, and Space,
Mr. Michel Friedling, Co-founder of Look Up,
Akihiro Iwaki, CEO of Star Signal Solutions Inc.,
Mr. Jun Kazaki, Cabinet Counsellor for National Space Policy, Cabinet Office
※The English version follows the Japanese text.
The English version follows the Japanese text.
Star Signal Solutions Inc.
A Japan-based space startup certified by JAXA, focusing on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM). Utilizing optical observation and orbital analysis technologies, the company aims to reduce collision risks between artificial satellites and space debris (space junk), with the mission of safeguarding “life on Earth and safety in space.”
Contact for this release:
Star Signal Solutions Inc.
Public Relations: Yasuyo Onari
info@starsignalsolutions.com
[English Version］
Star Signal Solutions Signs MOU with Look Up Space to Advance Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
– Japan–France collaboration launches radar × optical validation toward sustainable space traffic management –
Star Signal Solutions Inc. (Headquarters: Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiro Iwaki; hereinafter “Star Signal Solutions”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Look Up Space (Headquarters: Toulouse, France; CEO: Michel Friedling; hereinafter “Look Up”), a company specializing in radar-based observation of space objects and debris. The MOU aims to enhance the accuracy of tracking satellites and space debris in orbit.
The signing of this MOU will be announced in conjunction with the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Japan, scheduled for April 1, 2026, and represents a symbolic initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Japan and France in the space sector.
Launch of Technical Validation Combining Radar and Optical Observations
Under this collaboration, Star Signal Solutions and Look Up will initiate technical validation activities involving the comparative analysis of their respective optical and radar observation data.
By integrating these complementary observation modalities—optical and radar—the partners will evaluate new approaches to data utilization that leverage the strengths of each method. This effort aims to enhance interoperability and advance the capabilities of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) systems in both Japan and France.
Contributing to Space Safety, Sustainability, and Security
This initiative is expected to contribute not only to the safety and sustainability of outer space but also to the realization of practical Space Traffic Management (STM), incorporating increasingly critical security considerations.
The integration of observational data across different national and technological frameworks will support broader international SSA cooperation. It is anticipated to play a key role in enabling safe, sustainable, and stable utilization of the space environment.
Executive Comments
Akihiro Iwaki, CEO, Star Signal Solutions Inc.
“We have great respect for Look Up as a leading European player in radar-based space surveillance. This partnership brings together their radar capabilities and our optical observations to advance a more integrated global SSA framework.
We believe the future of space traffic management will be inherently multi-sensor and international. By combining complementary sensing technologies, we aim to deliver a level of accuracy and resilience that cannot be achieved by any single system.
This partnership represents an important step toward building a globally interoperable SSA architecture. Through this collaboration, we will accelerate the practical use of diverse observational data and contribute to safer and more sustainable space operations.”
Mr. Wataru Takahama,Director, Space Industry Office, METI
“At the 4th Meeting of the Japan–France Comprehensive Dialogue on space held in January this year, there were discussions on advanced initiatives to address space debris, as well as on the importance of promoting international rule-making through cooperation among allies and like-minded countries. From the perspective of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this Memorandum of Understanding is recognized as an effort that will further accelerate such advanced initiatives between Japan and France.
We expect that these efforts will contribute to the continued growth and development of the space industries of both countries.”
About Star Signal Solutions Inc.
Star Signal Solutions Inc. is a Japan-based space startup certified by JAXA. The company focuses on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM).
Leveraging optical observation and orbital analysis technologies, the company works to reduce collision risks between satellites and space debris, with the mission of safeguarding both life on Earth and the safety of space.
Media Contact
Media Contact:
Star Signal Solutions Inc.
Yasuyo Onari, Public Relations
Email: info@starsignalsolutions.com
FAQ
What is SSA?
SSA (Space Situational Awareness) refers to the monitoring, tracking, and understanding of objects (satellites and debris) in outer space.
Why are Japan and France cooperating?
Space debris is a global issue. By combining different nations' technologies and data, they aim to achieve more precise SSA.
What is the specific goal of this MOU?
To enhance the accuracy of tracking satellites and debris by comparing and analyzing radar and optical observation data, contributing to safe space utilization.