ASTRO GATE Inc.(Headquarters: Tokyo; President and Founder: Daisuke Ode), a Japan-based spaceport development and operations company, will jointly carry out operations at “Kakuda Public and Private Co-creation Propulsion System Development Center（K-CROP）”, which has been contracted to COSMOTEC Co.,Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Tetsuya Furuya) by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Under this project, operational services will be provided for the Kakuda Public and Private Co-creation Propulsion System Development Center (K-Crop) newly established at the JAXA Kakuda Space Center. The Center serves as a hub for promoting technology development through public-private collaboration and has been developed as a test facility to conduct research, development, and evaluation testing (such as firing tests) for liquid rocket engine systems and core components.
In cooperation with COSMOTEC, the selected operator of the facility, ASTRO GATE will support the operation of the Center by providing technical consultations and coordination related to facility use, as well as public relations and outreach activities to promote facility utilization.
■ About Kakuda Public and Private Co-creation Propulsion System Development Center (K-Crop)
Location:
Kakuda Space Center West Area
1 Koganezawa, Kimigaya, Kakuda City, Miyagi 981-1525, Japan
Applicable Tests:
- Engine system tests
- Combustor tests
- Turbopump tests
- Component tests for engine systems
- Element tests under cryogenic and high-pressure environments
For an overview of the project, please refer to:
Kakuda Public and Private Co-creation Propulsion System Development Center（K-CROP） | JAXA | Research and Development Directorate
■ Contact for Inquiries and Applications
For consultations regarding the use of the test facilities, contact the email address below.
Please include “Facility Use + Your Company Name” in the subject line of your email.
Kakuda Public and Private Co-creation Propulsion System Development Center (K-Crop)
Consultation Office for Users:
info_k-crop@cosmotec-net.co.jp
ASTRO GATE works in collaboration with numerous space companies globally in planning and operating spaceports and has proven experience in the design and development of ground facilities for commercial rocket launches. The company is composed of members who have been involved in the design, development, and operation of launch sites and combustion test facilities for government and commercial rockets, and has established a structure capable of responding to a wide range of testing needs.
Through this project, ASTRO GATE aims to accelerate the development of space transportation technologies, promote collaboration among operators, contribute to the further development of the space industry in the Tohoku region, and ultimately strengthen Japan’s technological development and international competitiveness in the field of space transportation.
Comments from Daisuke Ode, President and Founder of ASTRO GATE Inc.
We are deeply honored to be involved in the operation of the JAXA Public-Private Partnership Promotion System Development Center together with COSMOTEC. As the global space industry continues to grow, approximately 50% of Japanese satellites are currently launched from overseas, resulting in an outflow of national funds. To address this situation, the Japanese government has set a goal of achieving 30 rocket launches per year from Japan by the early 2030s. Achieving this goal will require significant advancements in rocket technology, and we believe this facility will play a vital role. Our company will leverage the technical expertise and regulatory capabilities we have developed to support users and promote the utilization of this facility.
【About ASTRO GATE Inc.】
ASTRO GATE is a team of professionals delivering end-to-end services from strategic planning through execution, specializing in spaceport planning and operations, as well as space business consulting. We work closely with governments, local authorities, major corporations, and startups on a diverse range of projects.
Company Name: ASTRO GATE Inc.
Registered Office: Akiruno, Tokyo
Representative: Daisuke Ode, CEO
Business Activities: Spaceport planning and operation, rocket launch support, space business consulting, new business development support, regional revitalization projects
Official Website: https://astrogate.jp/
【Media Contact】info@astrogate.jp
