News | March 27, 2026

Paving The Way For Real-Time Earth Observation: Space Compass And SWISSto12 Sign A Contract For The First Commercial Optical Data Relay Satellite In Geostationary Orbit

Tokyo And Renens , Switzerland (BUSINESS WIRE) - Space Compass Corporation (“Space Compass”) and SWISSto12 SA (“SWISSto12”) today announced they have signed an acquisition contract for the first optical data relay satellite in geostationary orbit.

This agreement represents a major step towards the realization of Space Compass's optical data relay service. Through a high-speed, high-capacity optical data relay service, Space Compass aims to transform Earth observation, which is no longer just a simple recording, into a real-time decision-making tool.

For SWISSto12, this contract confirms once again the company's ability to pave the way for a wide range of space missions thanks to its GEO small satellite platform, integrating a customized and differentiated payload technology that now includes optical communication capabilities.

Comment
Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12: “We are delighted with this partnership with Space Compass and our shared vision of building a secure, multi-orbit space infrastructure that supports some of the world’s most important space missions, such as Earth observation. By hosting optical communication payloads for the LEO-GEO data relay, HummingSat is once again demonstrating its versatility and significant impact on delivering targeted innovations in space.”

Hiromi Komatsu, Co-CEO of Space Compass : “The signing of this supply contract represents a crucial step towards the realization of our optical data relay service. By leveraging a high-throughput, high-capacity optical data relay architecture, we aim to enable faster and smarter decision-making through real-time Earth observation information. This first satellite will play a central role in establishing a new space communications infrastructure.”

Perspectives
Through its collaboration with SWISSto12 in the development of the optical data relay service, Space Compass aims to address social challenges by enabling faster and smarter use of Earth observation data, particularly in the field of disaster management and public safety.

About Space Compass Corporation
Space Compass is a joint venture between NTT, a global information and communication technology (ICT) company, and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Asia's largest satellite operator. The company was established to develop the Space Integrated Computing Network, a new multi-orbital, independent space infrastructure based on optical communications, designed to address societal challenges. For more information, visit: https://space-compass.com/en/

About SWISSto12 SA
SWISSto12 is a leading player in the space economy, leveraging patented 3D-printed radio frequency technologies to create payloads that can be hosted on any platform, for any mission, in any orbit, whether on a third-party satellite or its own compact geostationary satellite, HummingSat. Founded in 2011, the company has established contractual relationships with the world's leading satellite operators. For more information, visit: https://www.swissto12.ch

This project is part of the initiatives of the NTT Group's space commercial brand "NTT C89" and SKY Perfect JSAT "JSAT".

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