Key Takeaways
- JAXA and UNOOSA have selected El Salvador and Thailand for the ninth round of the KiboCUBE program.
- The selected projects focus on capacity-building, technology demonstration, and environmental monitoring through CubeSat missions.
- The program aims to enhance space capabilities in developing countries and promote sustainable development goals.
KiboCUBE Program Overview
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) are continuing their collaboration through the KiboCUBE program, which began in 2015. This initiative provides opportunities for developing countries to deploy CubeSats from the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
For the ninth round of the KiboCUBE program, JAXA and UNOOSA have selected Key Institute from El Salvador and Chulalongkorn University from Thailand. The application period ran from June 25 to December 31, 2025.
In addition to KiboCUBE, JAXA has initiated the KiboCUBE Academy to enhance education on CubeSat development, contributing to the broader goals of capacity building in space technology and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like quality education and economic growth.
Mission Overviews
- CAREY from the Key Institute focuses on capacity-building, technology demonstration (including IoT data collection), and cosmic ray measurements.
- CUSAT-1 from Chulalongkorn University emphasizes flood monitoring and environmental pollution assessments.
Both satellites are designed as 1U CubeSats (10cm x 10cm x 11.35cm and under 1.33kg).
Statements from Officials
Masaki Shirakawa, Director of JAXA’s Space Environment Utilization Center, expressed pride in supporting El Salvador’s first satellite mission and strengthening ties with Thailand. He reiterated JAXA’s commitment to enhancing global space capabilities and promoting the utilization of the ISS.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, highlighted the importance of the KiboCUBE program in empowering developing countries to build their space capabilities, stating that satellite development fosters innovation and addresses local challenges.
Juan Francisco Sifontes Colocho, Rector of Key Institute, called the selection a significant milestone for El Salvador, while Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the project as a testament to their students’ commitment to using space technology for the benefit of humanity.
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