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In the past, space utilisation has required long preparation times and high budgets, but the 50 kg optical satellites we have developed and have successfully launched six times can be fabricated in a few years with a budget of 3-7 M USD and can be launched for 1-2 M USD, e.g. using carpool launch opportunities. This means that universities and relatively small companies can own and operate their own satellites, even if they are not national space organisations.

Advanced attitude control also makes telescopic imaging and relatively long exposures possible, and detailed spectral imaging and 3D observations on the ground are also becoming more practical. Such performance will bring about fundamental changes in conventional Earth and space observations, including accuracy and frequency. Hokkaido University has demonstrated the potential of these capabilities by attempting a range of observations from outer space, the atmosphere and oceans to forests and agriculture. We also believe that if international collaboration is promoted, it will be possible to realize high-frequency observations while significantly reducing the cost on each country and organisation.