SPACE
CHALLENGE
Canon Electronics’ Challenge
~The origin story and History~
Origin
The origin story
1999: Sakamaki is appointed President of CE with dreams of entering the space industry. From his experience participating in many new product launches as a member of Canon Inc.'s R&D division, he knew that CE possessed the technology and expertise in precision machines and optics to disrupt the satellite manufacturing market.
2002: Sakamaki is inspired by a conversation with a friend living abroad. An idea, that "the coming age will belong to those who tame near-Earth space," left a deep imprint and Sakamaki felt instinctively, "this is our chance!"
With a clear path to realizing his dream, Sakamaki implemented a series of bold reorganizations in management in order to build up the necessary funds and worked tirelessly to recruit talent and experience. In 2009, Sakamaki declared Canon Electronics' entry into the space industry and officially kicked off CE's challenge.
History
Major milestones in CE Space
- 2017.06
- Launch of the prototype micro satellite CE-SAT-I from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India onboard PSLV-C38. The satellite entered a 500km sun-synchronous orbit. This marks the first successful launch of a self-funded satellite by a private company in Japan's history.
- 2017.08
- Canon Electronics, in partnership with IHI Aerospace, Shimizu corporation, and Development Bank of Japan, establishes the "New Generation Small Rocket Development Planning Co. Ltd."
- 2018.02
- Successful launch of the 10 m JAXA sounding rocket SS-520-5. Canon Electronics provided several components including avionics.
- 2018.07
- Canon Electronics, in partnership with IHI Aerospace, Shimizu Corporation, and Development Bank of Japan, establishes Space One Co., Ltd. to operate as a commercial space transport service business for small satellites.
- 2020.10
- Launch of third microsatellite CE-SAT-IIB from New Zealand. The satellite entered a 500km sun-synchronous orbit. Equipped with three cameras including super high sensitivity camera, along with other in-house developed components. The satellite will go through a 2 year demonstration experiment for forthcoming production of cassegrain reflectors as series.
BUSINESS
Three Pillars of Satellite Business
SATELLITE
Ready-made and Semi-custom Satellites
Canon Electronics can meet users' various needs with its micro satellite platform. Leveraging the Canon group's expertise in optics, the optical payloads are capable of world-class resolution imagery and video. A range of satellites with differing diameter optics are currently under development, further enhancing CE's ability to tailor the satellite to customer needs at low cost and fast lead times. CE looks forward to providing industry, academic institutions, startups, and other interested parties with reliable and affordable space platforms to further human use of space and improve quality of life.
Micro-satellite CE-SAT-IE
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Microsatellite CE-SAT-IIB
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Prototype Micro Satellite CE-SAT-I
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COMPONENTS
② In-house Components
- Optical payloads
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Telescopes and cameras leveraging the full optical expertise of Canon
Space Telescopes
Optical system for high-resolution Earth observation satellites
- Actuators
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Satellite actuators based on CE experience with motors and magnetic components
Magnetorquer
Magnetic actuator for controlling spacecraft attitude via interactions with the Earth magnetic field
Reaction Wheel
Actuator for controlling spacecraft attitude via momentum transfer to a rotating wheel (mass)
- Sensors
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Precise sensors for determining satellite attitude
Sun Sensor
Determines the body-frame direction of the sun by detecting sunlight
Star Tracker
Calculates the spacecraft attitude using positions of known celestial objects
Geomagnetic Sensor
Measures the geomagnetic field vector by detecting differences in the coil current
Inertial Reference Unit
Measures angle and angular rate; comprised of multiple gyroscopes
DATA
Satellite Imagery, Video, and Analytics
Canon Electronics' micro satellite leverages the Canon group's expertise in optics to allow high resolution photography and videography across the globe. High resolution images contain valuable data, with applications ranging from agriculture, geology, to market research. CE, in addition to providing detailed and often beautiful images, is also working to automate the extraction of valuable data. From event photos from 500km to scientific and business observations, CE is ready to support your satellite data needs.
Examples of Satellite Data Use
Monitoring parking lots
With photographs at regular intervals, the use rate of parking lots may be calculated. Tracking changes in use with seasons or time of day allows improvements in logistics and resource allocation. |
Monitoring traffic conditions
By monitoring traffic density or lengths of traffic jams, it is possible to determine fastest routes in near real time. CE-SAT-I imagery allows distinction between semi-trailer trucks and passenger vehicles, which further aids in optimizing navigation routes. |
Fishing industry
High resolution satellite imagery can gather data from remote locations, including over water. This allows monitoring of fish hatcheries or vessels moored off-shore. |
Oil industry
External floating roof tanks are used around the world for storing petroleum products. With high-resolution satellite imagery, it is possible to measure the contents of the tanks, giving market analysts an edge. |
SATELLITE
PHOTO GALLERY
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Ultra High Sensitivity Camera
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EOS M100
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EOS 5D Mark Ⅲ
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PowerShot S110