ASTRO GATE provided support for AstroX’s rocket launch
ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquarters: Akiruno City, Tokyo), a company engaged in the research, planning, and operation of spaceports (launch and landing sites for rockets), supported a demonstration launch for AstroX Inc. (Headquarters: Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture), which is developing a Rockoon (balloon-launched rocket) system. The demonstration took place on August 25, 2024, in Minamisoma City.
We are pleased to announce that both companies have entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and a Launch Service Agreement (LSA) in preparation for this demonstration and future rocket launches.
This marks the first time in Japan that a private spaceport operator and a private rocket company have signed an LSA and conducted a launch.
(Based on our own research as of August 2024. In the context of rocket launches within Japan.)
AstroX, the rocket launch operator, conducted a launch test of the ultra-small hybrid rocket “Kogitsune” in Minamisoma City.
The purpose of this experiment was to improve AstroX’s rocket development technology. The rocket flew to an altitude of approximately 300 meters before landing in the sea off the coast of Minamisoma. The rocket was successfully recovered as planned, and the test was deemed successful.
In connection with this launch, ASTRO GATE provided various forms of support, including site selection and coordination, stakeholder negotiations, holding a briefing session for local residents, assisting with launch operations, and capturing photos and videos of the event.
This rocket launch support project was carried out with the assistance of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework (Innovation Creation Platform Program), part of the FY2024 Fukushima Tech Create acceleration program.
Moving forward, both companies will continue to strengthen their collaboration, aiming to establish reliable access to space.
ASTRO GATE
ASTRO GATE is a company dedicated to supporting spaceports and regional development, both in terms of infrastructure and services, with the goal of creating new opportunities for humanity. The company offers comprehensive services from spaceport research to operations and provides consulting for space-related businesses originating from spaceports.
Website: https://astrogate.jp/
AstroX
AstroX, headquartered in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a private space startup with the vision of “restoring Japan as No. 1 in space development.” AstroX aims to solve Japan’s significant issue of insufficient satellite launch capacity and envisions a world where Japan leads in space development.
The company is conducting research and development of a Rockoon system, which involves launching rockets from the stratosphere using balloons, enabling the deployment of satellites into orbit.
Website: https://astrox.jp/
Support from Fukushima Tech Create
ASTRO GATE Inc. has been selected for and supported by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework’s “Fukushima Tech Create Program” (FTC Program), an initiative aimed at building a new industrial base in regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear disaster. ASTRO GATE was accepted into the acceleration program in July 2024.
List of selected projects: https://www.fipo.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/%E2%98%85R6%E6%8E%A1%E6%8A%9E%E8%80%85%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7%E8%A1%A8_HP%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E7%94%A8.pdf
AstroX Inc. was previously selected in FY2022 for the FTC program’s Business Idea Commercialization Program, where it conducted a demonstration experiment of ultra-small rocket launches using plastic balloons.
Results Presentation: https://www.fipo.or.jp/news/21780
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