SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation announced the successful launch of the Quantum Cryptography Optical Communication Device, which was built in the Study and Development of Satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Cryptography Technology in Satellite Communication for the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). The optical communication device was launched aboard Northrop Grumman?s Antares Rocket from NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia, U.S.A., at 9:30 a.m. on August 2, 2023 Japan Standard Time (JST) and arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) at 9:28 p.m. on August 4, 2023 JST. Moving forward, demonstration experiments between space and ground will begin after the optical communication device is placed outside of the ISS.

The experiments will be conducted as an extension of the Optical Demonstration between Tokyo Skytree to Ground conducted in December 2022.