Miniature Satellite "Raichō" Built by High School Students in Gifu Successfully Launched into Space
Centered around Gifu University, the "Gifu High School Sat (GHS) Project" brought together local technical high schools and companies to collaborate on the development of a miniature satellite. The first satellite from this initiative, GHS-01 "Raichō,"was successfully launched into space on August 24, 2025.
On the day of the launch, a support event was held by the Center for Space Research and Utilization Promotion (c-SRUP) affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering, GU. The event featured simultaneous live broadcasts from three locations: OKB Gifu University Plaza on campus, the public viewing venue at Rekishi Mirai-kan in Kasamatsu Town, Gifu Prefecture and the launch site in Florida, USA. The launch was also streamed live on YouTube.
At 3:45 PM Japan time, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying "Raichō" lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center. As the rocket appeared on screen, cheers and applause erupted from attendees at each venue, including Gifu University staff and students, Gifu Prefectural government officials, local senior high school students, alumni, and corporate partners.
GU President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro delivered an encouraging message to the project participants:"I am truly delighted that we were able to witness this moment thanks to the dedication and support of so many people. Just as the rocket carrying 'Raichō'--along with your hopes and efforts--has launched into space, I hope each of you will also pursue your dreams for the future."
"Raichō" is scheduled to be deployed from the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station (ISS) into an orbit approximately 400 km above Earth. A release event is also planned, and further details will be announced on the official websites of c-SRUP.
Teacher Sumi (Gifu Technical High School) reporting from the launch site
