Japanese startup EX-Fusion will soon enter into an agreement with Australian space contractor Electro Optic Systems to field-test technology for tracking tiny space junk orbiting the Earth, it has been reported.
Osaka-based EX-Fusion specializes in lasers, with the goal of realizing a commercial laser fusion reactor. Until now, fusion research and development has been conducted by the Japanese government, which has been greatly constrained in terms of R&D progress. Therefore, EX-Fusion is accepting high development risks and accelerating the development of technologies necessary for commercialization by establishing itself as a Japanese laser fusion energy startup. It utilizes state-of-the-art light control technology and knowledge gained in the realization of commercial laser fusion reactors in order to advance technology in the energy field and various industrial sectors. EX-Fusion participates in the Australian Applied Research Program in Laser Technology.
EX-Fusion is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a visit to Australia by Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Its representatives from 11 startups accompanied Nishimura on his visit, which began on Friday.
The two companies will pilot technology capable of using lasers to detect space junk as small as 3 centimeters, roughly the size of a peanut. The EOS Cluster Space Surveillance System in Australia will house a surveillance device that combines components provided by EX-Fusion and EOS.
Space junk orbiting the Earth has become a burden because it can collide with satellites and cause damage. Many private companies are seeking to track space debris, but 5 centimeters is considered the theoretical limit for detection. The Australian government has been fully supporting the space industry. Space technology has long been considered part of national security, but there are limits to what a country can do alone, and the Japanese government hopes to use the partnership between EX-Fusion and EOS as a starting point for expanding its cooperation with Australia, where both the public and private sectors are carrying out research and development in space technology.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission said this week that it fined a company for leaving decommissioned satellites in near-Earth orbit. It is understood to be the first time the agency has levied such a fine against a space junk company, a move that will put pressure on other operators to remove space junk.
