JA Mitsui Lease Supports Japan's First Private Reentry Satellite 'Aoba'

On September 17, 2025, JA Mitsui Lease Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, announced a milestone in the Japanese space industry. The company has extended financial support to ElevationSpace, based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, for the launch of Japan's very first private-sector reentry satellite named 'Aoba'. This initiative is poised to pave the way for the establishment of a recovery-based transport infrastructure that connects space and Earth.

Current Landscape of the Space Industry

Globally, the space industry is projected to reach a market size of approximately 54 trillion yen, with estimates suggesting it could balloon to 140 trillion yen by 2040. Despite advancements in rocket technology enabling greater access to space, the technology for returning from space to Earth remains underdeveloped. This necessitates increased efforts towards commercializing recovery systems.

ElevationSpace is dedicated to the mission of creating a world where everyone can live in space, enriching the future of humanity. To realize this vision, the company is working on developing a recovery transport service that enables sending materials and research conducted in space back to Earth. The 'Aoba' satellite will conduct experiments and validations in space, and it is slated for launch in late 2026. Currently, preparations are underway for the production of the flight model and detailed design necessary for the service's rollout.

Background and Objectives of this Initiative

The JA Mitsui Lease Group has long been committed to advancing the space industry through investments and support for startups. Their mid-term management plan, 'Sustainable Evolution 2028', emphasizes the evolution of business models and identifies the space sector as a key area for creating new technologies and services.

The collaboration with ElevationSpace is a significant step in establishing Japan's space infrastructure. JA Mitsui Lease resonates deeply with the company's innovative technologies and vision, leading them to decide on financial support to bolster this pioneering endeavor. Additionally, they are exploring business co-creation opportunities to facilitate the sustainable development of the space industry and its social implementation.

As this initiative progresses, JA Mitsui Lease remains committed to engaging in forward-thinking and sustainable approaches that will continue to shape the space sector in Japan and beyond. Through these efforts, they aim to not only support advancements in technology but also contribute to global sustainability goals as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In summary, this partnership represents a formidable advance in Japan’s private space landscape, laying foundational steps for a new era of space transportation and resource recovery. The future holds promising potential as the nation strides towards becoming a key player in the burgeoning global space economy.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:

JA Mitsui Lease Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Office, Corporate Management Department
Tel: 03-6775-3002
Email: [email protected]