D-Orbit, an Italian space logistics scale-up, has announced a partnership agreement with Japanese satellite integrator ArkEdge Space to provide dedicated launch services. The contract encompasses multiple missions scheduled between 2027 and 2028, marking a significant expansion of D-Orbit’s commercial footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the agreement, D-Orbit will deploy its ION Satellite Carrier platform to support ArkEdge Space’s satellite deployment requirements. The ION platform is designed to provide flexible orbital logistics capabilities, enabling customers to access dedicated launch slots and precise orbital positioning services. This partnership demonstrates growing confidence among Japanese space companies in D-Orbit’s technical capabilities and operational reliability.
Strategic Partnership with Regional Support
The collaboration is underpinned by the involvement of Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese conglomerate that serves as both a key investor in D-Orbit and a commercial agent in the APAC region. Marubeni’s dual role as financial stakeholder and regional partner positions the company to facilitate broader market access for D-Orbit’s services across Asia-Pacific markets, where demand for responsive space launch capacity continues to expand.
Matteo Andreas Lorenzoni, Director of Orbital Access Business Unit at D-Orbit, commented on the agreement’s significance: “This contract is a milestone in D-Orbit’s Japan strategy, reflecting Japanese space companies’ trust in our services and the strength of our partnership with Marubeni.”
The partnership reflects a deliberate strategy by D-Orbit to establish itself as a preferred launch services provider in key international markets beyond Europe. By combining ArkEdge Space’s comprehensive satellite integration capabilities with D-Orbit’s orbital logistics expertise, the partnership creates an end-to-end solution for customers seeking reliable access to space.
Growing European Competition in Space Logistics
D-Orbit’s expansion into the Japanese market underscores the increasing internationalisation of European space companies. The Italian firm joins a cohort of European startups seeking to capture opportunities in global space infrastructure, particularly as demand grows for flexible, responsive launch services that complement traditional heavy-lift launch providers.
The agreement also highlights how Japanese space industry players are diversifying their supplier base and technological partnerships. ArkEdge Space’s decision to engage D-Orbit reflects the broader trend of international collaboration within the satellite and launch services sectors, where specialisation and complementary capabilities increasingly drive business relationships.
The contracted missions between 2027 and 2028 will provide concrete operational experience for D-Orbit’s platform in the Japanese commercial market, potentially opening doors to additional opportunities as the Asia-Pacific space sector continues its rapid development. With increasing investment in satellite constellations and Earth observation capabilities across the region, logistics providers offering flexible orbital access are positioned to benefit from sustained demand growth over the coming years.