SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd. (SPACE COTAN), operator of Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO), has signed a cooperation agreement with Sangikyo Corporation (Sangikyo) and Sangikyo EOS Corporation (Sangikyo EOS) to strengthen collaboration toward the realization of HOSPO’s commercial operations.
Sangikyo and Sangikyo EOS have been involved in the operation of ground stations for Japan’s primary launch vehicles. In addition, during the launch of the suborbital rocket “VP01” by jtSPACE Co., Ltd., conducted at HOSPO in July 2025, SPACE COTAN and Sangikyo worked together to support the establishment of jtSPACE’s ground stations. Furthermore, Sangikyo is a member of HOSPO SUPPORTERS, a community of companies supporting HOSPO, and has continued discussions with SPACE COTAN aimed at advancing Hokkaido’s space industry and the development of HOSPO. With their critical experience and expertise in ground station infrastructure, Sangikyo and Sangikyo EOS, together with SPACE COTAN, have decided to further strengthen their collaboration.
Together with Taiki Town, SPACE COTAN is developing HOSPO as a spaceport capable of conducting high-frequency launches of a wide range of launch vehicles. By positioning HOSPO at the core, SPACE COTAN aims to create a “Space Silicon Valley” through the clustering of space-related industries in Hokkaido. Going forward, SPACE COTAN will continue working with a broad range of partners who share this vision to advance the development of HOSPO and the realization of a Space Silicon Valley.
Overview of the Cooperation Agreement
Under this cooperation agreement, SPACE COTAN, Sangikyo, and Sangikyo EOS will primarily examine the following areas:
- Development of a ground station network to support high-frequency launches.
- Utilization of human resources, technologies, and expertise.
- The role and participation of Sangikyo and Sangikyo EOS during HOSPO’s commercial operations phase.
Yasukazu Sengoku, President, Sangikyo Corporation
We are deeply honored to have concluded this cooperation agreement with SPACE COTAN toward the realization of commercial operations at Hokkaido Spaceport. By fully leveraging the expertise we have cultivated in the construction and operation of radio communication facilities for mobile and satellite communications, we aim to contribute to the development of a ground station network essential for the high-frequency launches envisioned for HOSPO. Through strong collaboration with SPACE COTAN, we will continue our efforts to support the growth of Japan’s space industry and the realization of the ambitious vision of a Space Silicon Valley.
Norihiko Oda, President, Sangikyo EOS Corporation
We are sincerely honored to have the opportunity to participate in the HOSPO project promoted by SPACE COTAN. The development of spaceports is an indispensable initiative for the utilization of space, which holds limitless potential. For our company, which has been engaged in space-related projects since its founding, participation in such an initiative is a great source of pride. While our contribution may be modest, we will make full use of the knowledge and experience we have accumulated to support the growth of this project.
Yoshinori Odagiri, CEO, SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd.
We are delighted to have concluded this cooperation agreement with Sangikyo and Sangikyo EOS toward the realization of commercial operations at HOSPO. Under this agreement, we will draw on the extensive experience that Sangikyo and Sangikyo EOS have gained through Japan’s primary launch vehicle operations to examine and advance the development of ground stations at HOSPO. By building a spaceport capable of high-frequency launches and accelerating the creation of a Space Silicon Valley centered on HOSPO, we will contribute to the advancement of the space industry and regional revitalization in Hokkaido.
Sangikyo Corporation
- Representative: Michiyasu Sengoku, Chairman of the Board
- Location: 4509 Ikenobe-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Business Overview: An independent telecom service company providing end-to-end solutions, from management to engineering, for information and communications infrastructure development. Leveraging extensive expertise and technical capabilities, the company delivers optimized solutions across a wide range of fields, including mobile communications, satellite communications, and facility design and construction.
- Website: https://www.sangikyo.co.jp/en/index.html
Sangikyo EOS Corporation
- Representative: Norihiko Oda, President
- Location: 4509 Ikenobe-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Business Overview: Construction, maintenance, and operation of network and IP communications systems; on-site adjustment, maintenance, and operation of communications equipment and systems; manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and operation of communications equipment; on-site adjustment, operation, and maintenance of transportation and disaster prevention systems; telecommunications and electrical construction work; and staffing services.
- Website: https://www.sgc-eos.co.jp/
SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd.
- Representative: Yoshinori Odagiri, CEO
- Location: 98 Nishihondori, Taiki Town, Hiroo, Hokkaido
- Business Overview: Based on a mandate from Taiki Town, SPACE COTAN is responsible for the management and operation of HOSPO, support for fundraising for infrastructure development, launch site design, acquisition of national certifications, customer development, launch support, public relations activities, and overall promotion of the HOSPO project.
- Website: https://hokkaidospaceport.com/en/
About Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)
HOSPO is a commercial spaceport open to the private sector, located in Taiki, Japan. For more than 40 years, Taiki Town has aspired to be home to the aerospace industry and is regarded as one of the most suitable locations for a world-class spaceport, thanks to its considerable geographic advantages: open seas to the east and south for launch trajectories, and expansive land for future site expansion.
HOSPO’s suborbital launch site, Launch Complex 0 (LC0), is already operational, with private launch vehicles having reached space three times to date.
To realize its vision of creating a “Space Silicon Valley,” development is underway on a new orbital launch site, Launch Complex 1 (LC1). Future plans include Launch Complex 2 (LC2) for high-frequency launches, Launch Complex X (LCX) for larger and human-rated launch vehicles, and a new 3,000 m runway for point-to-point transportation (P2P).
In October 2024, Taiki Town and SPACE COTAN signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), committing to expand international spaceport collaboration with seven commercial spaceports located across five continents. To meet the growing demand for launches, SPACE COTAN will explore potential strategic partnerships aimed at establishing international spaceport standards.
Furthermore, SPACE COTAN was selected in January 2025 for the Japanese government’s Space Strategy Fund and will use the funding to develop ground-based technologies to support high-frequency launches of various launch vehicles.
In another milestone, in July 2025, jtSPACE Co., Ltd., a Japanese sister company of Taiwanese firm, TiSPACE Inc., conducted the nation’s first suborbital rocket launch backed by overseas investment at HOSPO.
