NTT DOCOMO and Space Compass, together with Mizuho Bank Limited and the Development Bank of Japan Inc., have committed to invest USD$100m in AALTO HAPS Limited, which manufactures and operates the stratospheric, solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). The investment will be made through the Japanese Consortium’s investment vehicle, HAPS JAPAN Corporation.
AALTO HAPS is the manufacturer and operator of the stratospheric, solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS),
This investment deepens the long-standing collaboration between AALTO, NTT DOCOMO, and Space Compass, a joint venture between NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT focusing on establishing a Space Integrated Computing Network. The roadmap to commercialize HAPS began with an agreement to explore collaboration with AALTO, signed in 2022. Alongside this investment, AALTO and Space Compass will also sign commercial agreements that will deepen their engagement in Japan and Asia over the coming years.
Airbus Defence and Space will remain AALTO’s majority shareholder. The investment is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Takaaki Sato, CTO of NTT DOCOMO, said: “NTT DOCOMO continues to improve network quality and has been focused on establishing new technology frontiers that enhance access to connectivity services. Working with our partners Space Compass, AALTO, and Airbus, we are excited by the potential of HAPS-based NTN solutions. This technology brings together unique cutting-edge engineering with economics aligned to expand coverage to rural and remote areas and support our collective response to natural disasters.”
“Alongside our partners in the Consortium, we look forward to working strategically with AALTO to utilize Zephyr to transform customer experiences.”
Shigehiro Hori, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, said, “Non-terrestrial networks can transform Japan’s communications ecosystem, addressing access to connectivity in hard-to-reach areas while supporting our country’s response to emergencies. Japan has many remote islands and mountainous areas where there are uneconomic connectivity solutions. Our strategic relationship with AALTO, underpinned by technological innovation and the opportunity of the connectivity market, will help us build a new telecommunications infrastructure in these areas and during an era of population decline.”
Koichiro Matsufuji, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, added: “As the leading HAPS technology of its kind, Zephyr is a unique capability we will leverage over the coming years. We want to create a successful use case in Japan and expand it to Asia.”
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space and Chair of the AALTO Board of Directors, commented: “After a decade of stewardship by Airbus Defence and Space, Zephyr has established itself as a leading HAPS platform in the world. Zephyr plays a key role in the space and defense ecosystem, addressing commercial and government sectors from the stratosphere. With the creation of a dedicated HAPS Services Business in 2022, AALTO has been propelled to a global leadership position in the industry.”
“Airbus Defence and Space has enhanced its partnership with NTT, NTT DOCOMO, and SKY Perfect JSAT while demonstrating the breath of its portfolio capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. AALTO now has an excellent investor to help drive its ambitious growth plans over the coming years.”
Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of AALTO, said: “This is a landmark investment for AALTO. It is the natural next step in the roadmap of the Company’s targeted entry-into-service in 2026, as we industrialise and commercialise our technology. With world leaders in aviation and connectivity as shareholders, AALTO now has the combination of technological expertise and global reach to capitalise on the growth opportunities in substantial total addressable markets across connectivity and earth observation.”
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