Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Anthony Cuthbertson

Japan launches ‘origami’ satellite that unfurls to 25 times its size

The Kakushin Rising mission lifted off from Rocket Lab's launchpad in New Zealand on 23 April, 2026 - (Rocket Lab)

A 10cm cube that unfolds to a 2.5-metre array has launched to space in a successful demonstration of next-generation “origami” satellites.

The cubesat was one of eight satellites on Japanese space agency JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4 mission, which aims to test advanced space tech developed by startups and universities.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.