The space industry is expanding rapidly, with market projections rising from US$300 billion in 2021 to approximately US$1 trillion by 2040.
Seizing this growth opportunity, MUFG is paving the way for the next era of space industries. The utilization of satellite-based communication, navigation, and Earth observation data is extending across various sectors. By supporting the development of spaceports—critical infrastructure for launching rockets—we are also shaping the future of local economies. Our vision is to position space as an industrial hub, while driving new business creation and addressing societal challenges. MUFG is committed to making space an indispensable part of everyday life—turning this vision into reality.
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Manufacturing and Launch of
Space-Related EquipmentThe industry is shifting from the traditional model of government contracts awarded to specific companies to an era where private enterprise takes the lead in manufacturing and sales. This transformation accelerates the development of commercial infrastructure.
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Utilizing the Value Derived
from SpaceSatellite communications and satellite data applications are expanding into a wide range of fields. Spaceports contribute to regional revitalization, fostering the evolution of the space industry into a sector that connects with diverse industries.
Our mission is to take a comprehensive view of the space industry and lead the development of a robust industrial ecosystem.
Through investments and financing that drive new business creation and support the sustainability of space, as well as by leveraging MUFG’s extensive network and expertise, we facilitate open innovation by fostering collaboration between industry, government, and academia. We are committed to supporting the growth of the space industry.
- Financing for Japan’s first satellite PFI (Private Finance Initiative) project
- Investment in the Space Frontier Fund
- Financial support for space startups
And more...
- Providing extensive networks and expertise
- Supporting open innovation through industry-government-academia and inter-company collaboration
And more...
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Addressing Challenges and Driving the Growth of Japan’s Space Industry Through Satellite Launch Services
On December 16, 2022, as the first initiative of our business co-creation investments in the space sector, we invested in SPACE ONE Co., Ltd., a company engaged in small rocket satellite launch services.
Through this partnership, we leverage MUFG Bank’s extensive network and expertise in comprehensive financial services to enhance SPACE ONE’s business value and contribute to resolving challenges in Japan’s space industry. -
Solving Industry
Challenges and Realizing Sustainable Space DevelopmentOn February 27, 2023, we invested in Astroscale Holdings Inc., a company specializing in on-orbit services, including space debris removal.
In addition to ongoing financial support, this investment strengthens our partnership, enabling us to provide access to MUFG Bank’s broad network and financial expertise—contributing to Astroscale’s business growth and the realization of space sustainability. -
Expanding Japan’s Space Industry and Boosting Regional Economic Development with Spaceports
On September 22, 2023, together with Kanematsu Corporation and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., we entered into a strategic partnership with Sierra Space Corporation for the Asia-Pacific region and invested in Sierra Space.
In collaboration with Sierra Space, which is exploring the use of Oita Airport as an Asia hub and spaceport for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, this partnership aims to expand Japan’s space industry supply chain, create new industries, and support regional economic development centered on Oita Prefecture. -
Creating Industries and Enhancing Safety and Security Through Satellite Data Utilization
On January 31, 2024, together with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and ID&E Holdings Co., Ltd., we invested in Satellite Data Services Planning Co., Ltd. to foster and expand the satellite data utilization market.
This partnership allows us to leverage MUFG Bank’s extensive network to connect demand and supply, create new use cases, and promote satellite data utilization to help solve a wide range of societal challenges. -
Advancing Communication Infrastructure to Support Japan’s Industrial Growth
In September 2024, we invested in AALTO HAPS Limited, a company specializing in the manufacturing and operation of stratospheric platforms, alongside Space Compass Corporation and NTT DOCOMO, Inc.
Through this investment, we are contributing to the development of non-terrestrial networks in Japan, working towards the establishment of a stable communication infrastructure. -
Unlocking New Value Through Satellite Data Utilization and Financial Solutions
On July 12, 2024, we invested in Privateer Space, a company that provides a platform for large-scale satellite data analysis and high-precision Earth observation.
Through this partnership, we aim to create new value by utilizing satellite data and offering innovative financial solutions, helping clients address a variety of business challenges. -
Enhancing Japan’s Space Industry and Solving Societal Challenges Through Satellite Operations
On January 31, 2025, we invested in Arc Edge Space Inc., a company playing a crucial role in the development of Japan’s space industry.
This partnership enables collaboration on the development and operation of innovative small satellites capable of supporting diverse missions, contributing to the establishment of a robust space industry value chain and the resolution of societal challenges.
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MAR. 26, 2025
Empowering Japan’s Space Industry: How MUFG’s Financial Strength Is Shaping a More Sustainable Tomorrow
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Takumi Hashizume
Space Innovation Office, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
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Yasutaka Fujii
Mitsubishi Electric Space Business Development Center
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Shohei Okano
Japan Ministry of the Environment
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MAR. 27, 2025
Pioneering a Spacefaring Future: How SPACE ONE and MUFG Sparked Local Innovation in Japan’s Southernmost Town
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Yoshimi Nagayama
Space Innovation Office, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
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Yuri Katsuike
Space One Co., Ltd.
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Keigo Yoshida
Wakayama Prefectural Government
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Kentaro Kiyono
Undergraduate Student, Wakayama University
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MAR. 31, 2025
Dream Chaser’s Homecoming: Cross-Industry Collaboration Driving the Future of Oita Spaceport
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Yuta Inaba
Space Innovation Office, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
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Tadashi Morimitsu
Oita Prefectural Government
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Ryuto Hashiba
Space Program, Japan Airlines’ Business Development Division.
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MUFG explores future societies centered on space and turns these visions into business concepts. In 2024, we hosted the "Lunar Living and Business in the Space Era" workshop, bringing together employees from across the MUFG Group. They discussed topics such as financial services for lunar settlements and business opportunities in space resource development. Through these sessions, we deepened our understanding of the space industry and cultivated new business ideas with a future-focused approach.
From the workshop “Lunar Living and Business in the Space Era.”