DNP and ElevationSpace Form Capital and Business Alliance for Recovery and Analysis of Space-Tested Materials

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshihisa Kitajima; hereinafter 'DNP') and ElevationSpace Inc. (Headquarters: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture; CEO: Ryohei Kobayashi) have signed a capital and business alliance agreement on June 19, 2026. The two companies will jointly develop a comprehensive service offering on-orbit validation*1 of materials and components used in spacecraft such as satellites, followed by post-recovery analysis and evaluation on Earth. By enhancing the reliability of space-validated materials and components, they aim to expand their application in spacecraft and ensure stable supply.

Background and Objectives of the Capital and Business Alliance

Globally, space-based social infrastructure is rapidly advancing, including remote monitoring via Earth observation satellites and the expansion of satellite-based communication and internet services. The global space economy is projected to grow from approximately $630 billion in 2023 to around $1.8 trillion by 2035*2. The Japanese government is also promoting technological development in the space sector and supporting private-sector participation through initiatives such as the Basic Space Plan*3 and the Space Strategy Fund*4.

However, the development and manufacturing of spacecraft require a stable supply of materials and components capable of withstanding the harsh space environment. The number of materials and components with proven spaceflight heritage remains limited, and some components still rely on foreign imports. Additionally, opportunities for in-orbit validation within Japan are scarce, posing a significant barrier for private companies seeking to enter the space industry. DNP and ElevationSpace aim to support corporate entry into the space sector by developing a seamless service that integrates on-orbit validation with post-recovery analysis and evaluation, thereby improving the reliability of materials and components.

Key Initiatives Under the Alliance

1. Development of a One-Stop Space Validation, Recovery, and Analysis Service

The companies will develop a service that provides end-to-end support—from on-orbit validation of materials and components in low Earth orbit*5 to post-recovery analysis and evaluation on Earth. By combining ElevationSpace’s on-orbit validation and recovery technologies with DNP’s expertise in material and component analysis and evaluation, they aim to expand access to space testing*6, accelerate development cycles, and enhance the reliability of materials and components for spacecraft.

Flow of Space Validation, Recovery, and Analysis

2. Support for the Development of ElevationSpace’s Space Validation and Recovery Vehicle

DNP will analyze and evaluate the performance and degradation of heat-resistant materials used in ElevationSpace’s space validation and recovery vehicle, both before and after space exposure. By providing detailed reports on material composition, physical properties, and durability, as well as supporting the establishment of evaluation criteria and grading standards, DNP will contribute to improving the development efficiency and performance of the vehicle.

Future Outlook

DNP and ElevationSpace will continue developing their on-orbit validation, recovery, and analysis service for materials and components in space environments, offering it to a wide range of companies aiming to enter the space industry. By providing efficient and rapid access to space validation, they aim to facilitate new market entry and establish a stable supply chain for materials and components essential to spacecraft development and manufacturing.

In the future, they also plan to explore applications for lunar development materials and components, contributing to the growth of the space industry through collaboration with diverse partners.

*1 On-orbit validation: Confirming whether materials and components perform their intended functions and meet performance requirements under actual space conditions through experiments and operational tests in space.

*2 World Economic Forum, 'Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth' (April 8, 2024) → https://www.weforum.org/publications/space-the-1-8-trillion-opportunity-for-global-economic-growth/

*3 Basic Space Plan (Cabinet decision on June 13, Reiwa 5) → https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/plan/keikaku.html

*4 Space Strategy Fund: A fund established at JAXA to support advanced technology development, technical demonstration, and commercialization in the space sector by private companies and universities. The government aims to provide approximately 1 trillion yen in support over 10 years. → https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/kikin/siryou1-1-1.pdf

*5 Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Generally refers to altitudes up to 2,000 km. It is widely used by satellites for Earth observation and communication.

*6 Currently, opportunities to recover materials and components tested in space are limited to crew rotations and returns from the International Space Station. ElevationSpace aims to develop more frequent and efficient validation and recovery services.

*Note: Company and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

*Note: The content is accurate as of the announcement date and is subject to change without prior notice.