The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) is a follow-on mission to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). GPM is one of the earth observation satellite programs, mainly initiated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the National Institute of Infomation and Communications Technology (NICT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

GPM is, like TRMM, composed of one sun non-synchronous orbit satellite-borne precipitation radar and a microwave scanning radiometer, and more than one sun synchronous orbit microwave scanning radiometers in a constellation of other satellites.

The core satellite is expected to be able to measure detailed precipitation activities, using both ofthe dualfrequency precipitation radar and the microwave scanning radiometer. The data acquired by such measurement will permit of sophisticating the presumed algorithm of quantitative rain measurement in the microwave scanning radiometer. The sub-satellite will conduct the precipitation measurement of the microwave scanning radiometer and the measurement will become more reliable by utilizing the presumed algorithm.

The sub-satellite constellation was launched by NASA, ESA and other space organizations in the world. The number of satellites will be around eight. It is possible to get a global rainfall distribution in every 3 hours when the microwave scanning radiometers aboard these 8 polar orbit satellites collect and process the data. GPM plans real-time transmission of the global rainfall distribution data. This real-time data can be utilized not only for scientific research, but also for weather forecast, flood prediction, water resource management.

The major sensors on the GPM primary satellite are the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) and the microwave radiometer (GMI). The DPR consists of two radars, a TRMM/PR-type precipitation radar with a frequency of 13.6 GHz, and a 35.5 GHz precipitation radar that is added to i

ITF 1 (Imagine The Future 1) or Yui is a 1U Cubesat built by students of the University of Tsukuba.

It features a 435 MHz beacon, which sends telemetry by a Morse Code audio tone on an FM transmitter running 300 milliwatts output. It should be possible to receive it using simple equipment such as a handheld transceiver or scanner. Telemetry information will be first compressed into binary data and then cut into 5 bits and converted into 10 – 15 Morse codes.

The satellite was successfully deployed in orbit, but no signals were received.

The INVADER (Interactive satellite for Art and Design Experimental Research) 1-unit CubeSat is an art project of the Tama Art University. It is the first mission of the "ARTSAT: Art and Satellite Project".

The satellite is to contribute to the amateur radio community from the view point of the art field using this satellite. The satellite features following equipment:

- Some sensors to provide data for art work. For example to use the downlinked data to control lighting equipment, which changes color according to the satellite temperature data and distributing it to people, to promote interest in satellite and amateur radio.
- A low resolution camera (150 × 150 pixels) for acquiring the Earth image for utilizing in art work.
- A Digi-Talker, which transmits voice data using FM and to transmit sensor data using the Digi-Talker.

OPUSAT (Osaka Prefecture University Satellite) or CosMoz is a nanosatellite that is being developed by Osaka Prefecture University. It follows the 1U CubeSat form factor.

The primary objective of this satellite is to demonstrate advanced hybrid power supply system using Lithium-ion Capacitor (Li-C) and Lithium-ion battery. Li-C enables long term operation in high powerr discharge and in deep charge-discharge cycle. It works well in space environment, even without a heater. OPUSAT also has deployable solar array paddles, and is equipped with a spin stabilization system using magnetic torquers.

OPUSAT was launched on Japan's H-2A-202 booster in 2014, and rode along with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) main satellite.

KSAT 2 (Kagoshima Satellite 2, also named Hayato 2) is a small 1U CubeSat mission developed by the Kagoshima University. It is a modified reflight of the failed KSAT (Hayato) satellite.

The objectives of the mission are:

- Study on Forecast of Localized Downpour and Tornado - In-orbit experiments of an original observation method of atmospheric water vapor.
- Take Earth Live Images from Space - Ku-band high-speed data transmission, one shot / a few seconds.
- Basic Experiments for LEO Positioning Satellites - Frequency and phase synchronization between a ground-base system and a satellite.
- Orbit Determination Experiments with Radio Interferometer - Essential item for nano-satellite orbiting at very low earth orbit.
- Satellite Tracking Experiment at Very Low Earth Orbit - Evaluation of Earth's atmosphere to the satellite.
- Verification of Pantograph-type Extending Boom in Space - The boom was originally designed and is fit for compact satellites.
- Messages of Encouragement from Space to Japan - Hand-lettered messages and heart warm pictures, especially from children responsible for the future.

TeikyoSat 3 (Microbial Observation Satellite) is a small life science satellite built by Teikyou University.

TeikyoSat 3 is designed to study the impact of space radiation and the microgravity environment on a mold called Dictyostelium discoideum. This species of soil-living amoeba belongs to the phylum Mycetozoa and is often given the less than high-brow biological label of "slime mold." The life cycle of D. discoideum is relatively short, which allows for timely viewing of all the stages of its life.

TeikyoSat 3 was launched on Japan's H-2A-202 booster in 2014, and rode along with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) main satellite. The satellite suffered from communication system issues.

ShindaiSat, also named Ginrei, is an experimental visible light communication microsatellite developed at Shinshu University (Wakasato, Nagano Prefecture, Japan) for an on-orbit technology demonstration over a long distance (> 400 km), by using LED (Light Emitting Diodes) light as an optical communications link. The project is educational in nature with student participation on all levels.

ShindaiSat was launched on Japan's H-2A-202 booster in 2014, and rode along with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) main satellite.

Kagawa University's STARS 2 (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite), also known as Kukai, consists of a Mother Satellite and a Daughter Satellite connected by a tether 10 m in length. The Mother Satellite (Ku) deploys the tether having the Daughter Satellite (Kai) at its end. Daughter Satellite has one arm, and the tether is attached at its end. Then attitude control by arm motion using tether tension is possible. Main mission is to take pictures of a satellite during tether deployment.

The Daughter Satellite takes pictures of the Mother Satellite, and transmittes these to ground stations through amateur radio frequency.