Tokyo, Japan — June 10, 2025
ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President and Founder: Daisuke Ode), a Japan-based spaceport development and operations company, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with SkySense LLC (Headquarters: Tokyo; Managing Partner: Pavel Addin), a company developing a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) capable of frequent and high-resolution Earth observation over wide areas.
ASTRO GATE operates globally, managing the end-to-end development of spaceports, while also promoting community development around those spaceports. This agreement aligns with ASTRO GATE’s broader strategy to drive regional revitalization in Japan and globally through space-enabled urban infrastructure.
Through this LoI, ASTRO GATE and SkySense will collaborate on urban planning and the provision of new business development support and technical solutions to various industries, with a focus on Earth observation and communication services using HAPS technology. Applications include near-real-time land monitoring, disaster response, and enhancement of terrestrial communication networks. Both companies aim to maximize the potential of HAPS to expand the reach and impact of the space industry.
Furthermore, ASTRO GATE is building a global network of spaceports in collaboration with innovative partners. As part of this effort, the company is also exploring joint initiatives with SkySense to utilize HAPS for maritime surveillance around launch facilities, enhancing safety and operational capabilities.
Comments
Pavel Addin, Managing Partner of SkySense LLC
“We are honored to collaborate with ASTRO GATE on spaceport development and regional revitalization. Through this partnership, we aim to contribute to diverse fields including disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and urban planning. Together with ASTRO GATE’s vision, we will continue to explore the full potential of HAPS.”
Daisuke Ode, President and Founder of ASTRO GATE Inc.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with SkySense in applying HAPS technology to both spaceport operations and regional development. By integrating terrestrial and space technologies, ASTRO GATE is committed to advancing spaceports as part of comprehensive strategies for urban revitalization, regional innovation, and new business creation across various industries.”
About SkySense LLC
SkySense develops airship-type HAPS platforms under the mission “Observe Any Place, Anytime, with High Accuracy.” The company aims to deploy this system across Japan to deliver high-resolution, real-time, low-cost Earth observation data for applications such as maritime monitoring, forest management, disaster response, asset evaluation, and smart city development.
About ASTRO GATE Inc.
ASTRO GATE is a Japanese company pioneering the future of space transportation through the planning, development, and operation of spaceports worldwide. Working in collaboration with governments and private-sector partners, the company supports launch infrastructure projects from start to finish and promotes access to orbital launches from locations across the globe.
