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Digital Space Interface Highlighted in Mitsubishi Electric’s New Mega-Constellation Initiative

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From left: Shumpei Tsuda, General Manager, Corporate Finance Department, Division 2, Development Bank of Japan, Yuichiro Moto, Managing Executive Officer, Group Head, Corporate Banking Group, MUFG Bank, Masahiko Arai, Executive Officer (Associate), Group President, Defense & Space Systems, Mitsubishi Electric, Minako Tsumenaga, Senior Vice President, Head of Alliance Division, Research and Development Marketing Headquarters, NTT, Kengo Nagase, Senior Executive Vice President, Representative Member of the Board, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a founding member of the Digital Space Consortium (DSC), has announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four Japanese companies to explore the development and operation of a large-scale satellite constellation. The announcement identifies the Digital Space Interface (DSI) as a potential technology for supporting the initiative.

The agreement, signed on 6 November 2026, brings together Mitsubishi Electric, NTT, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, MUFG Bank, and Development Bank of Japan. The five companies will explore the technical and commercial feasibility of a mega-constellation capable of supporting services including communications, Earth observation, positioning, navigation, timing, and space data centers.

Exploring the Role of Open Interfaces

A key aspect of the announcement is the emphasis on openness and interoperability as foundations for future space infrastructure.

As part of its technical studies, Mitsubishi Electric will explore the application of the Digital Space Interface (DSI), which is being developed collaboratively through the Digital Space Consortium.

The DSI aims to establish open, royalty-free interfaces for onboard computing, enabling applications and services to operate across different satellite platforms and software environments.

In its announcement, Mitsubishi Electric highlights the potential for DSI to support the deployment and updating of software on satellites already in orbit. Such capabilities could enable satellite operators to introduce new functionality and adapt their services throughout a mission’s operational lifetime.

Connecting Industry Initiatives with Open Standards

The announcement illustrates the growing importance of interoperability as satellite systems become more interconnected and software-driven.

For the Digital Space Consortium, initiatives of this kind demonstrate the potential relevance of common interfaces in future space infrastructure. As the DSI continues to develop, collaboration across the space industry remains essential to establishing specifications that can support a broad range of platforms, applications, and operational requirements.

The DSC welcomes opportunities for organisations across the space sector to contribute their expertise and help shape the development of open interfaces for space computing.

Read the full announcement: Mitsubishi Electric Press Release, 9 November 2026

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