Tokyo 2020 Project "G-SATELLITE: To Space" Micro-satellite carrying Gundam and Char's Zaku completed (video available)

On December 3, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced the completion of the ultra-small satellite "G-SATELLITE" to be used in the second installment of the "Cheering for Tokyo 2020 from Space!" initiative, part of the "ONE TEAM PROJECT" to build excitement for the Tokyo 2020 Games, and revealed plans for the Games.
(Images/Video ©Tokyo2020 ©Sotsu・Sunrise)

 

This project involves launching the ultra-small satellite "G-SATELLITE," carrying figures of Gundam and Char's Zaku from the iconic Japanese TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam," into space from the ISS (International Space Station) in mid-March 2020 (planned). It will fly in Earth orbit from before the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Games through the event period, transmitting messages of support for the Games back to Earth. The project outline was announced in May 2019.

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The satellite will carry Gundam and Char's Zaku, an electronic message board to display messages, and seven cameras to photograph them. It also incorporates mechanisms to deploy the Gundam, Char's Zaku, and cameras from inside the satellite. Images captured by the cameras will be downloaded from the satellite to Earth at a speed of 32kbps. The electronic display board can show approximately 140 message patterns in three languages, including Japanese. The satellite's exterior features a gold color on the front, symbolizing a gold medal, with the words "G-SATELLITE TOKYO2020" engraved on it.
The mounted Gundam and Char's Zaku are constructed from special materials and coatings capable of withstanding the harsh space environment. Their eyes change color to five hues during the Olympic period and three hues during the Paralympic period, and they feature movable necks.

The completed "G-SATELLITE" will be handed over to JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). In mid-March 2020, it will be loaded onto a supply ship and launched toward the ISS. In April, it will be released into space from the ISS. In spring, a message written by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the chief director of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam," will be delivered to Earth as the first message from space, voiced by Amuro and Char.

Subsequent project plans include releasing a "3D Globe" web feature showing the satellite's current position online after it enters Earth orbit, and live-streaming intercepted space conversations between Amuro and Char during the satellite's passes over Japan (scheduled for release on YouTube between May and July 2020).
During the Games, messages of support for athletes will be broadcast via official SNS, featuring visuals synchronized with electronic billboards and the movements of Gundam and Char's Zaku. A countdown will also commence 10 days before the Olympic opening (July 14, 2020).
Official Website: https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/jp/oneteam/08.html