Kansai Univ × Univ Fukui × Meijo Univ × ArkEdge Space
Disruptive Energy-Tech Demonstratior
DENDEN-01
Thermal, Photovoltaic, Electric Energy
Next-generation satellite with cutting-edge energy technology
JAXA & UNISEC "J-CUBE Program: Providing Opportunities for Deploying Microsatellites from Kibo for Academic Use and Human Resource Development"
FY2021 Publicly Selected Satellites
ﾆｭｰｽ
September 1, 2025
We contributed to the production of NHK's late-night drama, Someday in Zero Gravity.
講演
May 29, 2025
PM Yamagata Delivers a Lecture at an Event Hosted by Knowledge Capital, the Core Facility of Grand Front Osaka
受賞
March 20, 2025
Awarded Grand Prize in the “Knowledge Capital Division” of the 12th Knowledge Innovation Award
ﾘﾘｰｽ
March 3, 2025
First Space Demonstration of Battery Temperature-Stabilizing Device for CubeSats Using Solid-Solid Phase Change Material
DENDEN-01:
The Moment of Deployment into Space Has Come!
DENDEN-01 is scheduled to be deployed into space from the International Space Station on December 9, 2024.
The deployment will be broadcast live by JAXA.
Live Coverage Start Time: December 9, 7:50 PM (JST)
J-SSOD#30 Details (JAXA Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate)
J-SSOD#30 Details (JAXA Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate)
- Live Broadcast: Launch of NASA SpaceX Cargo Dragon CRS-31 Mission Carrying DENDEN-01Tue, Nov 05NASA Live Broadcast
EVENTS
Event Information
Greeting
Satellite technology is evolving day by day, and in particular, due to the ease of development of ultra-small satellites, which are a type of satellite weighing less than 100 kg, their use is expanding in a variety of fields such as science, engineering, education, communication services, and space business such as remote sensing. Technology is needed to improve the functionality and reliability of these ultra-small satellites, and we have developed the innovative energy technology demonstration satellite "DENDEN-01" to contribute to solving this problem. "DENDEN-01" is a 1U-sized cubesat that will be released from the ISS in fiscal year 2024 and will be equipped with multiple innovative energy technologies, including a power supply temperature stabilization device, and its performance will be verified in the actual space environment through operation in Earth orbit.
This project is supported by a diverse team of researchers from Kansai University, Fukui University, Meijo University, and ArcEdge Space Corporation. We were also able to proceed with the project with the support of the J-CUBE program run by JAXA and the NPO Universities and Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC).
We hope that this website will be a place to share the progress and results of the project, as well as the appeal of satellite development. Thank you for your interest. We hope that you will continue to support our challenge.
DENDEN-01 Project
About DENDEN-01
DENDEN-01 is a 1U-sized microsatellite CubeSat, with dimensions of 100 x 100 x 113.5 mm (1U), dimensions of 309 x 210.7 x 113.5 mm when the solar array paddles are deployed, and weight of 1.32 kg. The basic functions are based on EDIT, a satellite education teaching material developed by Fukui University, and by updating this from teaching material to a flight model, we aim to shorten the development period and improve the functions as teaching material.
DENDEN-01
Key Specifications
STRUCTURE
Size
Mass
1U-CubeSat: 100 × 100 × 113.5 (Stowed) / 210.7 × 309 × 113.5 (Deployed)
1.32 kg
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY
Power Control Unit (PCU)
Battery input: 6 - 8.2 V
Solar cell module input: 12 - 18 V
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
Dedicated 5 V output for CDH: 1 line
5V output: 3 lines
Unregulated voltage output: 1 line
Battery Module
Battery: 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion battery (2S1P)
Voltage: 6 - 8.2V
Capacity: 3500mAh
Operable temperature: -40 to +60 deg C
Solar Cell
IMM-Triple-Junction solar cell (Efficiency: ~32%) (6S9P)
ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEM
Attitude Sensor
Actuator
MEMS 9-axis sensor (9DoF: Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Accelerometer)
Magnetic Torquers (MTQ)
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
S-band Command
S-band Telemetry
1 kpbs PCM-PSK-PM
10, 32, 64, 115 kbps BPSK
920MHz-band Communication System
up to 1 kbps
Commercial Lithium-ion Battery Suitable for Nanosatellites and Space Applications
CubeSat-class nanosatellites orbiting Earth have low thermal capacity and minimal heat generation, resulting in stable low temperatures. They are equipped with commercial lithium-ion batteries that perform well in these conditions.
Imaging and Onboard Data Analysis Processing Using Compact Hyperspectral Camera
The communication subsystem handles command uplink and data transmission between the ground station and DENDEN-01. Operating in S-band, it enables efficient communication. Traditionally, 1U CubeSats relied on amateur radio due to constraints, but DENDEN-01 aims to achieve S-band communication with its small device. Patch antennas on each face enhance robustness, reducing susceptibility to attitude changes.
Our Technological Challenges on DENDEN-01
Select each item to see an explanation.
Ultra-Compact S-band Communication Device for CubeSats
The communication subsystem handles command uplink and data transmission between the ground station and DENDEN-01. Operating in S-band, it enables efficient communication. Traditionally, 1U CubeSats relied on amateur radio due to constraints, but DENDEN-01 aims to achieve S-band communication with its small device. Patch antennas on each face enhance robustness, reducing susceptibility to attitude changes.
IMM-3J Space Solar Cell Glass Array Sheet Optimized for CubeSats
DENDEN-01 features deployable solar cell paddles on the -X and ±Y planes. Solar cell arrays are attached to a total of nine surfaces, including the deployable paddles' front and back faces and the body's three faces (-X and ±Y planes). These cells boast high conversion efficiency by absorbing a broad range of solar wavelengths. Each array sheet houses six single cells arranged in a row, capable of generating Vmp = 16 V on a single surface. This design enables stable power generation across surfaces, minimizing the satellite's attitude's impact and ensuring onboard equipment reliability.
Temperature-Stabilizing Device Utilizing Phase Change Material
DENDEN-01 features deployable solar cell paddles on the -X and ±Y planes. Solar cell arrays are attached to a total of nine surfaces, including the deployable paddles' front and back faces and the body's three faces (-X and ±Y planes). These cells boast high conversion efficiency by absorbing a broad range of solar wavelengths. Each array sheet houses six single cells arranged in a row, capable of generating Vmp = 16 V on a single surface. This design enables stable power generation across surfaces, minimizing the satellite's attitude's impact and ensuring onboard equipment reliability.
High-precise Power State Estimation
/Autonomous and High-Efficient Operations System
Battery characteristics vary with conditions like temperature and charge-discharge states. Ensuring accurate charge capacity measurement and control is crucial for satellite stability. Future constellations and formation flights require automation and autonomy. This satellite will demonstrate automatic operational plan generation using predictive models. By setting optimization methods and constraints, we aim for efficient and safe operations. Regular high-precision power state estimation and safety devices will ensure safer on-orbit operations.
Perovskite-based Solar Cell Module for Space Applications
The communication subsystem handles command uplink and data transmission between the ground station and DENDEN-01. Operating in S-band, it enables efficient communication. Traditionally, 1U CubeSats relied on amateur radio due to constraints, but DENDEN-01 aims to achieve S-band communication with its small device. Patch antennas on each face enhance robustness, reducing susceptibility to attitude changes.
Advanced Demonstration of Store & Forward Communication Using Small Low-Power Transceiver
We will demonstrate a Store and Forward (S&F) system, where data is transmitted from small sea or land-based transmitters to a satellite, which collects the data. This system uses patch antennas for transmission and Yagi antennas for reception, allowing satellite communication and operation with simple equipment, without the need for large ground radio setups.
Our Team.
PROJECT MANAGER
山縣 雅紀
Masaki R. Yamagata
関西大学化学生命工学部・准教授
SYSTEM MANAGER
青柳 賢英
Yoshihide Aoyanagi
福井大学産学官連 携本部・特命准教授
SYSTEM & MISSION DESIGN DIRECTOR
宮田 喜久子
Kikuko Miyata
名城大学理工学部・准教授
COMS & GROUND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
松本 健
Takeshi Matsumoto
株式会社アークエッジ・スペース
STUDENT PROJECT LEADER
脇田 悠利名
Yurina Wakita
関西大学理工学研究科
(2022-2023)
TECHNICAL ADVISERS
田中 康平
Kohei Tanaka
慶應義塾大学システムデザイン・マネージメント研究科・特任講師
COLLABORATION
Request for donations
The "DENDEN-01" project aims to equip the satellite with technologies necessary for the future development of microsatellites and verify their performance in the actual space environment. Our goal is to demonstrate multiple cutting-edge technologies, including the innovative solid-solid phase change type latent heat storage material (SSPCM), and to build a new stage in space development. Appropriate fundraising is essential for the project's success. Donations will be used as a source of funding for a wide range of research activities, including satellite technology verification activities, public relations, outreach activities, and student transportation costs.
Your donation will be a valuable resource for supporting the development and improvement of research quality, as well as supporting the growth of the next generation of researchers. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you are able to donate, please see the Kansai University Fundraising Office website .
Type of donation: Designated donation
Designated use: Research grant for "Kansai University's first artificial satellite DENDEN-01" by Associate Professor Masaki Yamagata of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biotechnology.
To donate, please contact:
564-8680 3-3-35 Yamate-cho, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
Kansai University Research Support and Social Collaboration Group
*Please fill out a donation application form and send it to the address above.
*Please refer to the sample donation application form when filling out the form.