Announcement of the Nickname for Shizuoka University's Microsatellite STARS-X
Key facts
- Announcement of the Nickname for Shizuoka University's Microsatellite STARS-X
- Shizuoka University has named its microsatellite STARS-X 'Shiraito'. The satellite is scheduled for launch on June 10 aboard the H3 rocket, where it will demonstrate debris capture technology using a space tether.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 5, 2026
Direct answer
Shizuoka University has named its microsatellite STARS-X 'Shiraito'. The satellite is scheduled for launch on June 10 aboard the H3 rocket, where it will demonstrate debris capture technology using a space tether.
- Citation
- Announcement of the Nickname for Shizuoka University's Microsatellite STARS-X (June 5, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 5, 2026
Shizuoka University has named its microsatellite STARS-X 'Shiraito'. The satellite is scheduled for launch on June 10 aboard the H3 rocket, where it will demonstrate debris capture technology using a space tether.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 5, 2026 at 11:28 (28 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 18:02 (30h 34m after Collected)
## Announcement of the Nickname for Shizuoka University's Microsatellite STARS-X
Shizuoka University has officially announced the chosen nickname for the microsatellite STARS-X, developed under the supervision of Professor Kimihiro Nomi of the Faculty of Engineering.
Public submissions for the nickname were held from Monday, May 11, to Monday, May 18, 2026, and received 485 entries from across Japan. We appreciate the high level of interest and participation.
After a rigorous selection process by a committee within the Faculty of Engineering, the nickname 'Shiraito' was selected, submitted by three individuals (including variations in kanji script with the same pronunciation).
### STARS-X Nickname: 'Shiraito'
[Nominees]
- Mr. Aoki (Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
- Mr. Aoyama (Suginami-ku, Tokyo)
- Mr. Ueda (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
### Selection Rationale
A fusion of regional identity and mission. The nickname represents the satellite's mission with a name symbolic of Shizuoka Prefecture. 'Shiraito' evokes the Shiraito Falls, a representative landmark of Shizuoka, while simultaneously hinting at the 'tether' utilized in the mission. The use of hiragana increases accessibility and familiarity, making it easier for children to relate to the project.
Shiraito Falls is considered a natural masterpiece created by Mount Fuji. The way countless streams of water shine in the light, resembling white threads, strongly mirrors the appearance and function of this satellite.
## About STARS-X
The STARS-X project has been selected as an experimental theme for the 'Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3' project by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The theme is 'Demonstration of debris capture technology using space tether technology.' The launch date for the H3 rocket Flight 6 (30-configuration test vehicle), which will carry STARS-X as a piggyback payload, has been set for June 10 (Wed) from the Tanegashima Space Center (Kagoshima Prefecture).
## Mission Objectives
STARS-X is a 50kg-class satellite, making it larger than previous satellites in the STARS project. The current mission involves three core experiments: extending a tether (rope/wire) by 1 km in space, maneuvering a robot along the tether, and capturing a dummy space debris object released from the main satellite using a net.
## Future Applications
By mastering the technology to manipulate space tethers, the project aims to enable movement in space, eventually connecting to the realization of a space elevator. Addressing the urgent issue of space debris, these mobile capabilities will lead to advanced proximity technologies, while the net-based capture system will contribute to future debris removal operations.
Shizuoka University has officially announced the chosen nickname for the microsatellite STARS-X, developed under the supervision of Professor Kimihiro Nomi of the Faculty of Engineering.
Public submissions for the nickname were held from Monday, May 11, to Monday, May 18, 2026, and received 485 entries from across Japan. We appreciate the high level of interest and participation.
After a rigorous selection process by a committee within the Faculty of Engineering, the nickname 'Shiraito' was selected, submitted by three individuals (including variations in kanji script with the same pronunciation).
### STARS-X Nickname: 'Shiraito'
[Nominees]
- Mr. Aoki (Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
- Mr. Aoyama (Suginami-ku, Tokyo)
- Mr. Ueda (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
### Selection Rationale
A fusion of regional identity and mission. The nickname represents the satellite's mission with a name symbolic of Shizuoka Prefecture. 'Shiraito' evokes the Shiraito Falls, a representative landmark of Shizuoka, while simultaneously hinting at the 'tether' utilized in the mission. The use of hiragana increases accessibility and familiarity, making it easier for children to relate to the project.
Shiraito Falls is considered a natural masterpiece created by Mount Fuji. The way countless streams of water shine in the light, resembling white threads, strongly mirrors the appearance and function of this satellite.
## About STARS-X
The STARS-X project has been selected as an experimental theme for the 'Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3' project by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The theme is 'Demonstration of debris capture technology using space tether technology.' The launch date for the H3 rocket Flight 6 (30-configuration test vehicle), which will carry STARS-X as a piggyback payload, has been set for June 10 (Wed) from the Tanegashima Space Center (Kagoshima Prefecture).
## Mission Objectives
STARS-X is a 50kg-class satellite, making it larger than previous satellites in the STARS project. The current mission involves three core experiments: extending a tether (rope/wire) by 1 km in space, maneuvering a robot along the tether, and capturing a dummy space debris object released from the main satellite using a net.
## Future Applications
By mastering the technology to manipulate space tethers, the project aims to enable movement in space, eventually connecting to the realization of a space elevator. Addressing the urgent issue of space debris, these mobile capabilities will lead to advanced proximity technologies, while the net-based capture system will contribute to future debris removal operations.
FAQ
What is the nickname of STARS-X?
It has been named 'Shiraito'.
When will it be launched?
It is scheduled for launch from the Tanegashima Space Center on June 10 (Wed).
What is the purpose of the mission?
To demonstrate technologies for capturing space debris using space tether technology and nets.