JAOPS, a Japanese space operations company building infrastructure for space missions, announced on October 1, 2026 that it has raised 260 million yen, approximately US$1.7 million, in a Seed round. UntroD Capital and Midtown Frontier Fund participated as the investors. The capital will be used to expand operational capabilities and develop the tools and simulators needed for the company's first mission control center.
Funding Purpose and Strategic Use
The Seed investment will support two primary priorities: expanding JAOPS's operational capacity and developing mission control center tools and simulators. These resources will help the company meet growing global demand for outsourced and service-based mission operations. The funding advances JAOPS's Operations as a Service, or OaaS, vision by enabling more space operators to access reliable support without building full internal teams.
Global Presence and Public Validation
JAOPS already serves customers in Japan, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United States. The company has also received support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Space Strategy Fund and a grant from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This public backing recognizes JAOPS's role in strengthening Japan's space operations capabilities and supports its international expansion.
Strategic Importance of Mission Operations
Space missions require reliable operations from the design phase through the entire mission lifecycle. JAOPS combines the knowledge of members with domestic and international space development experience and uses open-source software to create flexible, user-friendly systems. This approach supports the company's goal of delivering Operations as a Service and allows space businesses to focus on core objectives instead of maintaining complex operational systems.
Leadership Commentary
Alejandro Serra, Representative Director and CEO of JAOPS, said the funding is proof of the team's accumulated results. He noted that customers across three continents trust JAOPS because the team approaches every mission with care and builds a strong track record. Serra welcomed the new investors and said no operator should face space operations alone, adding that the team's motto is "Never fly alone."
Investor Views
UntroD Capital said space infrastructure creates value only when missions are operated safely and efficiently. The investor described JAOPS's Operations as a Service model as a direct answer to that challenge and pointed to the company's customer base across six countries as evidence that the model is already working. UntroD Capital stated that it is pleased to support JAOPS as the company expands its capabilities.
Company and Investor Background
JAOPS builds tools, simulators, and mission control infrastructure for satellite and space mission operators. UntroD Capital is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in space technology, advanced materials, and biotechnology through its Real Tech Fund. Midtown Frontier Fund was launched by founding members of ispace and provides angel investment to seed and early-stage deep tech startups with the potential to transform industrial structures.
The new funding positions JAOPS to strengthen its operational infrastructure and build its first mission control center. With customers across six countries and support from Japanese public institutions, the company is advancing a service model designed to reduce the burden of space operations. JAOPS will use this momentum to expand its international footprint and make dependable mission operations accessible to a wider range of space businesses, contributing to the space industry's broader development.