Mitsubishi Electric’s JV Tri-Sat Constellation Selected for Satellite Constellation Project by Japan Ministry of Defense

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced that Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd., a special-purpose joint-venture company that Mitsubishi Electric, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. established last month, signed a contract with the Japan Ministry of Defense to participate in the Satellite Constellation Project.

The project, a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), will establish a constellation of small satellites that work together in low Earth orbit to provide services as an integrated system. The private-sector companies will operate the system to ensure the stable acquisition of imagery essential for maintaining the effectiveness of Japan’s stand-off defense capabilities.^*

In total, seven companies will participate in the project through Tri-Sat Constellation, also including Synspective Inc., Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space Inc., Axelspace Corporation, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd. Tri-Sat Constellation will coordinate the development and operation of the satellite constellation and its dedicated ground facilities, which will acquire stable, high-frequency satellite imagery for provision in response to the needs of the Japan Ministry of Defense.