On April 1 in Tokyo, IHI AEROSPACE Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “IA”), a member of the IHI Group, and ArianeGroup SAS (hereinafter, “ArianeGroup”) signed a cooperation agreement in the field of space situational awareness (SSA) regarding the operation and related activities of a jointly used SSA ground-based optical observatory, to be installed within the IHI Aioi Works.
An optical telescope will be installed at the observatory to observe space objects in geosynchronous orbit and low Earth orbit. The resulting data will be utilized independently by both companies. By leveraging their respective track records and technological capabilities in SSA observations using optical telescopes, IA and ArianeGroup will share the facility and observation data while working to help resolve social challenges and enhance space security.

[ Comments from the Companies ]
Chiyuki Nakamata
Chairman of the Board , IA
“We are extremely pleased to have entered into a cooperation agreement with ArianeGroup for joint use of an SSA optical observatory. IA is engaged in businesses such as space transportation, including the Epsilon Launch Vehicle, and space infrastructure. We are also working on SSA to contribute to ensuring the stability of space systems. We recognize the deep significance of this agreement with ArianeGroup to construct and operate a jointly used optical observatory in Japan. Our cooperation will contribute to enhancing Japan’s observation capabilities and to fostering international cooperation between Japan and France. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the cooperation of ArianeGroup and all related parties.”

Christophe Bruneau
CEO, ArianeGroup
We are also very pleased to have concluded a cooperation agreement with IHI Aerospace regarding the SSA Ground Optical Observatory. This station will enhance the orbits all observation capabilities of our network HELIX from GEO to LEO. It is the 16th optical station, equipped with 3 sensors. It will help us to offer to our different customers, military and commercial satellite operators, tools and space data to establish a space situational awareness in autonomous way.

IA’s Initiatives in SSA:
As a leading Japanese manufacturer of space equipment, IA is engaged not only in space transportation and space infrastructure businesses but also in the field of SSA. IA operates two SSA observatories, located in Nanmoku Village, Gunma Prefecture, and in Aioi City, Hyogo Prefecture (within the IHI Aioi Works). At these locations, IA observes the geosynchronous orbit region and operates a business of selling the resulting data. Going forward, IA will strengthen its capabilities in observation, analysis, and operations, including those for low Earth orbit, and will promote research and development as well as infrastructure development. Through these activities, IA aims to expand its observation data provision services and provide observation systems.

ArianeGroup’s Initiatives in SSA:
Military or civilian observation satellites are increasingly used to monitor operations and anticipate actions. Fine-tuning space objects and collecting information with high added value are the prerequisites for paving the way for future developments. This capability, which is eminently dual, it also perfectly adapted to the needs of satellite operators for monitoring and tracking purposes in a context marked by an increase in the risk. ArianeGroup has developed and deployed an operational space surveillance network. This network called Helixis made up of diversified optical sensors distributed around the world and connected to a centralized Command and Control Centre (C2), integrating the latest technological innovations in the field of optics, automation and rapid data processing based on the use of artificial intelligence. Funded by ArianeGroup, Helix is used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide it with real-time positioning data, and provide analysis services, particularly on the maneuvers.

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