News
Report on the DSC First Meeting
The Digital Space Consortium (DSC) held its first meeting in Japan from October 14 to 16, 2026.
The meeting brought together companies and organizations from Japan and abroad for active discussions on standardization and interoperability in space systems, as well as the development of the Digital Space Interface (DSI). We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated and to all those who helped make the meeting possible.
Over the three days, the meeting welcomed a total of 97 participants representing 65 organizations.
The first two days featured closed discussions, giving participants an opportunity to share their expertise and challenges. Discussions covered four themes: Security and Operations, Communications and Networking, Onboard AI and Computing, and Commercialization and Deployment. Participants exchanged views on current initiatives, challenges, and approaches to standardization.
On the third day, DSC held a public event featuring an introduction to the Consortium’s background and membership structure, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from across the space industry. The event provided an opportunity to discuss DSC’s activities and the importance of standardization and interoperability in space systems.
■Meeting Overview
- Dates: October 14-16, 2026
- Location: Japan
- Key themes: Security and Operations; Communications and Networking; Onboard AI and Computing; Commercialization and Deployment
- Program highlights: Thematic discussions; introduction to DSC and its membership; panel discussion on the space industry
■Key Discussion Areas and Outcomes
Participants discussed a range of technical, operational, and business-related topics relevant to the development of the DSI.
1. Standardization and the Scope of the DSI
Participants discussed areas where standardization is needed and which interfaces should be included in the DSI. Ideas for common APIs and a layered architecture were shared. The discussions also identified topics requiring further consideration, including the extent to which applications and services should be standardized.
2. Communications, Computing, and Physical Interfaces
Participants shared challenges related to communications methods, data formats, onboard computing resources, and physical connection methods, with a view to improving interoperability among different satellites and equipment. There was broad recognition of the importance of balancing common standards with the flexibility needed to accommodate technological advances and diverse use cases.
3. Security, Operations, and Commercialization
Discussions covered security requirements, the sharing of operational information, export controls and regulatory considerations, and the business value of standardization. Participants also considered how to ensure that standardization does not rely excessively on any single company or product, but instead delivers value to a broad range of stakeholders.
Through these discussions, participants recognized that realizing the DSI will require consideration not only of technical specifications, but also of operational, security, business, and regulatory issues. They also emphasized the importance of building a shared understanding from the outset and advancing the work through collaboration among participants.
■Meeting Highlights
The thematic discussions brought together a wide range of perspectives and practical challenges, prompting active exchanges on the future direction of the DSI. The public event on the third day also provided an opportunity to connect with a broader group of stakeholders from across the space industry through presentations on DSC and a panel discussion.
[Photo 1: Overview of the first meeting]
[Photo 2: Thematic discussion] [Photo 3: Public event and panel discussion]
■Looking Ahead
Building on the discussions and feedback from the first meeting, DSC will continue its work to advance standardization and interoperability in space systems and support the development of the DSI.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan in February 2027. Participants will build on the topics identified at the first meeting and continue discussing the DSI’s direction and future activities.
Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated and to all those who contributed to the meeting. We look forward to your continued interest and support for DSC’s activities.