SOAR Participates in Yamagata University's Ultra-Small Satellite Project 'Benibanasat'
SOAR CORPORATION, part of the Sakusa Group, has joined Yamagata University's project to develop a 1U-sized ultra-small satellite, 'Benibanasat.' Targeting a 2028 launch, SOAR provides structural design and space environment testing expertise, aiming to build a regional space industry supply chain and commercialize satellite manufacturing services.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 12:31 (59 min after Collected)
SOAR CORPORATION (SOAR), a Sakusa Group company providing OLED devices and ODM/EMS services, is participating in the 'Benibanasat' ultra-small satellite project promoted by Yamagata University.
The project involves the development and manufacture of a 1U-sized (10cm cube) satellite, with a target launch in 2028. As a regional partner, SOAR is leveraging its long-standing design and manufacturing expertise to provide structural design for the satellite, as well as test analysis and evaluation technologies for harsh space environments, including vacuum and vibration tests.
Looking ahead, SOAR intends to expand its technical support to include power, communication, and control systems. The company aims to establish a technical foundation for space equipment development and build a space industry supply chain within the region. Its ultimate goal is to commercialize development, evaluation, and manufacturing services (EMS) for ultra-small satellites.
[Key Terms]
*1 Benibanasat Project: A satellite development, manufacturing, and operation project led by Yamagata University's Social Innovation DX Endowment Chair as an industrial creation initiative.
*2 Ground Test Model: A model used for evaluation before launch, serving to visually communicate the satellite's structure.
[Key Milestones]
- September 2025: Joined the project.
- January 2026: Exhibited a mockup at the 'INTERNEPCON JAPAN' trade show at Tokyo Big Sight.
- April 29 – May 6, 2026: Special exhibition of the 'Benibanasat-01 Ground Test Model' at the Yamagata Industrial Science Museum.
The project involves the development and manufacture of a 1U-sized (10cm cube) satellite, with a target launch in 2028. As a regional partner, SOAR is leveraging its long-standing design and manufacturing expertise to provide structural design for the satellite, as well as test analysis and evaluation technologies for harsh space environments, including vacuum and vibration tests.
Looking ahead, SOAR intends to expand its technical support to include power, communication, and control systems. The company aims to establish a technical foundation for space equipment development and build a space industry supply chain within the region. Its ultimate goal is to commercialize development, evaluation, and manufacturing services (EMS) for ultra-small satellites.
[Key Terms]
*1 Benibanasat Project: A satellite development, manufacturing, and operation project led by Yamagata University's Social Innovation DX Endowment Chair as an industrial creation initiative.
*2 Ground Test Model: A model used for evaluation before launch, serving to visually communicate the satellite's structure.
[Key Milestones]
- September 2025: Joined the project.
- January 2026: Exhibited a mockup at the 'INTERNEPCON JAPAN' trade show at Tokyo Big Sight.
- April 29 – May 6, 2026: Special exhibition of the 'Benibanasat-01 Ground Test Model' at the Yamagata Industrial Science Museum.
FAQ
What expertise does SOAR bring to the project?
SOAR provides satellite structural design and advanced testing/evaluation technologies for extreme space environments like vacuum and vibration.
What is the goal of the Benibanasat project?
Led by Yamagata University, it aims to develop, manufacture, and operate a 1U CubeSat for a targeted launch in 2028.
What are SOAR's future business plans in space?
The company intends to establish a regional space supply chain and commercialize development/manufacturing services (EMS) for ultra-small satellites.