The University of Tokyo and Furukawa Electric will launch the demonstration satellite “Funade,” designed and developed through the university’s social collaboration course “Creating a Business Ecosystem for Small and Ultra-Small Satellites,” in October 2026. The satellite will demonstrate the orbital performance of Furukawa Electric’s satellite components and the basic operation of formation flight, a technology being researched by the University of Tokyo.
The satellite will consist of two 4U-sized (110mm x 123mm x 499mm) Cubesat satellites that are connected and separated via a separation and extension mechanism. The two 4U satellites have nearly identical structures, and the results of the demonstration will contribute to the establishment of a stable and efficient manufacturing system for Furukawa Electric’s satellites by feeding them back into the construction of a mass production system.
The reliability and stability of products such as heat pipe modules improved for “Funade” will be verified, and the design and development of satellite components will also be advanced. Furthermore, based on the results of the demonstration, an efficient, high-value-added satellite manufacturing and supply system will be verified. In addition, we will also work on developing new products to expand our space business.

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