ASTROFLASH, a space venture from the University of Tokyo, raises an angel round of funding "to pioneer new space applications using nano-satellites.

Funding Overview and Objectives

ASTROFLASH is a space startup from the University of Tokyo's Nakasuga Funase Laboratory, which has been a leader in Japanese nano-satellite technology. ASTROFLASH's mission is to make space more accessible to everyone, and to contribute to the expansion and development of the space industry in Japan and around the world by realizing new space applications using nano-satellites (CubeSat), which are much cheaper and easier to use than conventional satellites. ASTROFLASH will contribute to the expansion and development of the space industry in Japan and around the world.

This financing will accelerate the development of ASTROFLASH toward the launch of its first satellite, tentatively named "Visually Enjoyable Satellite (tentative name)," which is scheduled for around 2022. This project is supported by the FY 2020 Subsidy for Practical Application of Industrial Technology and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Monozukuri Venture Development Project, and together with these subsidized projects, we are fully prepared for the development of the first launch vehicle. ASTROFLASH will also continue procurement activities in anticipation of future business expansion.

First "Visual Satellite" and Future Prospects

ASTROFLASH aims to launch its first "Visually Enjoyable Satellite" in 2022 as a demonstration of new space utilization that many people can experience. The first satellite is a 3U-sized (10x10x30cm; 4kg) CubeSat, which will be equipped with a light source device so that it will be visible to the naked eye from the ground. ASTROFLASH aims to provide people with the experience of connecting with space through the realization of a "satellite for visual enjoyment. The satellite will be operated so that it is visible only in specific areas so as not to interfere with astronomical observations.

ASTROFLASH is seeking sponsors to develop the first satellite and to conduct PR and other activities using the global utilization of the "satellite for visual enjoyment. It is possible to coordinate various promotions using the satellite, including satellite naming rights and operational methods.
In addition, the company is considering using the technology demonstrated with the first satellite to perform formation flights with multiple satellites in the future to expand the range of expression of visible satellites. In this way, the space entertainment business will be expanded and new space applications made possible by CubeSat technology will be pioneered.

Comments from major underwriters

◎Zero One Booster Inc.

"It was a challenging investment decision for us to invest in the space field, but we agreed with the vision of Mr. Katsuyama, who is like a space boy, and his co-founder, Mr. Hieda, to 'make space more accessible to the public. We decided to support them because we share the vision of Mr. Katsuyama, who is like a space boy, and Mr. Hinomoto, who is a co-founder of the company. We will do our best to support Mr. Katsuyama and his team to reach their dream of going to space as soon as possible. "

◎Mr. Hitoshi Koide (Representative of KD Partners LLC)

"ASTROFLASH is a young startup founded last year with the mission of making space utilization accessible through innovation. Mr. Katsuyama, the representative of the company, is an up-and-coming entrepreneur who has successfully launched space balloons since his high school days and absorbed space technology from the University of Tokyo. He is determined to create space utilization that all people can feel and contribute to the development of the space industry. We resonate with and support such a vision. "

Subsidy for Practical Development of Industrial Technology in FY2020 (Research and Development of Space Industrial Technology Information Infrastructure)

Through this project to provide subsidies for the cost of designing and manufacturing nano-satellites, refurbishing space parts and components, operating nano-satellites, and conducting other in-orbit demonstrations, low-cost, high-performance space parts and components that utilize superior technologies in the consumer field from Japanese small and medium-sized companies and venture businesses will enter the domestic and overseas nano-satellite market and promote the sustainable development of the domestic space equipment industry. This project aims to promote the sustainable development of the domestic space equipment industry through the entry of low-priced, high-performance space components and parts that utilize superior consumer technologies from Japanese small, medium, and venture companies into the domestic and overseas small satellite market.
(From METI website)

Tokyo Metropolitan Manufacturing Venture Development Project (Tokyo Startup BEAM Project)

This is a program sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, VC firms, and Tokyo-based manufacturers collaborate to support the growth of manufacturing ventures in terms of technology, funding, and management.