Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University (MAEU) started their first satellite development program from September 1st, 2019 funded by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Over the course of five years, the program will develop and launch two 50kg-class Micro-satellites while carrying out capacity building for satellite development for students from Myanmar, according to a statement. 

It will contribute to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the mitigation of large-scale natural disasters. The budget of the program (approx. 1.7 billion yen or 15.3 million USD) will be provided by the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. 

The collaboration with Myanmar aims to develop and launch two Micro-satellites for earth observation in five years, and to effectively operate advanced observation instruments such as a multi-spectral camera installed on the satellite and use data. Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University (MAEU) will cooperate closely to promote research, development, and operation of the satellites while the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will provide the budget (approx. 1.7 billion yen or 15.3 million USD).

Both universities in Japan will accept staff and/or students (7 persons in the 1st term) from the Myanmar side as graduate students who will conduct planning, satellite development and production, operation, and analysis together with the research staff at the universities, while receiving education and training. The first satellite aims to be released from the International Space Station in early 2021.

Satellites developed and owned by each country under the guidance of our group.