Shizuoka University: Public Naming Contest for Micro-satellite STARS-X

Shizuoka University is pleased to announce a public naming contest for the micro-satellite STARS-X, developed by Shizuoka University (Project Leader: Professor Kimihiro Nomi, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University). The submitted names will be rigorously screened by Shizuoka University, and the selected name is scheduled to be announced around the launch period. We kindly request media organizations to help spread awareness. [Application Period] May 11 (Monday) – May 18 (Monday), Reiwa 8 (2026). *Please refer to the poster for details. ■ Micro-satellite STARS-X: The micro-satellite STARS-X project has been selected as a demonstration theme for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s "Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration No. 3." The selected theme is "Technology demonstration of debris capture using space tether technology." The launch date for H3 Rocket No. 6 (30-type test vehicle), which will carry STARS-X as a piggyback payload, has been decided as June 10 (Wednesday) at Tanegashima Space Center (Kagoshima Prefecture). ■ STARS-X Mission: STARS-X is a 50kg-class satellite, making it larger compared to previous STARS project satellites. This mission involves extending a 1km tether (rope/wire) in space, a robot moving along the tether, and conducting an experiment to capture dummy space debris (space junk) released from the satellite with a net. ■ Future Utilization Technology: Acquiring the technology to freely manipulate space tethers aims for movement in space, which will eventually lead to space elevators. Furthermore, regarding the urgent issue of space debris, movement in space will lead to technology for approaching space debris, and the capture of dummy objects with a net will lead to space debris removal.