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STAR Program:
Satellite Technology For The Asia-Pacific Region

The Satellite Technology for the Asia-Pacific Region (STAR) program is an international initiative to develop small satellites in collaboration with engineers and researchers from the Asia-Pacific region.

News

Objectives

STAR Program aims to:

  • Provide opportunities to build capacity for Space Agency staff in the Asia-Pacific region in satellite development
  • Increase the number of earth observation satellites that can be used in the Asia-Pacific Region to satisfy the future needs of the region

Background

APRSAF satellite cooperation was proposed by JAXA at APRSAF-14 in 2007. It was agreed at APRSAF-15 in 2008 that the project be named STAR, and its office be located on the JAXA Sagamihara Campus. In April 2009, the project started in earnest.

Activities

STAR Program participants from Asia-Pacific countries are jointly im- plementing their missions; one of which is to carry out a needs survey and conceptual system study for earth observation satellites "EO- STAR", 300kg to 500kg. The other is to develop an actual satellite named "Micro-STAR", approximately 50kg. Details of the missions are explained below:

EO-STAR System Study

The STAR Program carries out a conceptual study, which will be based on the small scientific satellite standard bus.

MICRO-STAR Pilot Project Major Requirements

  • Technology demonstration for EO-STAR
  • The STAR international project team performs the planning, design,assembly, integration and test of Micro-STAR with the assistanceof JAXA.
  • Capacity building: On the Job Training style
  • Launch as a secondary payload

Participants' Contributions STAR Program participating organizations are expected to:

  • dispatch engineers to the program
  • provide launch opportunities for Micro-STAR as a secondary payload
  • provide ground station resources to operate Micro-STAR
  • provide the necessary on-board and ground instruments