The project aims to promote the Games while orbiting around Earth.

Called "G-Satellite Go To Space", the device is miniature with measurements of just 10 centimetres x 10cm x 30cm.

It will carry two of Japan's most popular anime characters, Mobile Suite Gundam and Char's Zaku, and set-off after delivery to the International Space Station in April.

A number of cameras on board will record and transmit images, while an electric bulletin board will display messages about Tokyo 2020 in Japanese, English and French.

The front of the satellite will be gold, to represent a gold medal.

Mobile Suite Gundam and Char's Zaku, who are science fiction robots from the television series Mobile Suit Gundam, have been made using special materials and paints to survive space's harsh climate.

Their eyes will glow on a white background in each of the colours of the five Olympic rings during the Games.

During the Paralympics, the three colours of the Agitos symbol will be used, while the heads of both characters will move.

A supply ship will deliver the satellite to the International Space Station in March, Tokyo 2020 said.

It will first be passed over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on Thursday (December 5).

If successful, it will be the first time in Olympic and Paralympic history that a satellite commissioned for the Games has orbited Earth independently.

The initiative is part of the Tokyo 2020 One Team Project, launched by organisers in August 2017.

Japan's leading creators, innovators and performers were invited to express their own interpretations of the vision for the Tokyo 2020 as part of the initiative.

According to organisers, the project adds no cost to the Tokyo 2020 budget.

Fans will be able to keep track of the satellite using a specially created website.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will run between July 24 and August 9, with the Paralympics following between August 25 and September 6.