Developing ground-based technologies for high-frequency launches
Towards the realization of launch site capable of launching multiple types of rockets
Hokkaido, Japan – SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd. (SPACE COTAN), which operates “Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)”, a commercial spaceport open to the private sector in Asia, has been selected for the Space Strategy Fund from the Japanese Government. SPACE COTAN will develop ground-based technologies for high-frequency launches of various launch vehicles.
This project will be carried out in cooperation with IWAYA INC., NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation, Applied Meteorological Engineering Consulting Services Co., Ltd, SHIMIZU CORPORATION, and the MURORAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
Contributing to enhance the global launch capabilities
The Space Strategy Fund has been established to accelerate and strengthen the achievements of expanding the space market etc. In line with the Space Technology Strategy, which identifies the key areas of focus for Japan’s space technology development, the government has earmarked a total of 1 trillion yen over the next decade.
SPACE COTAN aims to enhance global launch capabilities and drive growth in the space industry through the development and verification of ground-based technologies funded by this initiative.
Key Developments
- Standardization of technologies for the interface between launch vehicle and ground system, available for multiple types of rockets
- Management and control technologies of cryogenic fuel, available for multiple types of rockets
- Radio standardization technologies to communicate with multiple types of rockets
- Technologies to predict with high accuracy meteorological conditions such as wind speed, temperature, and clouds with freezing temperatures at the launch site and flight path
Partner Organizations
IWAYA INC.
Representative: Keisuke Iwaya, CEO
Location: 26-12, Oasa-nakamachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido
Overview:
- Operation of high-altitude manned balloons
- Design and development of pressurised cabins
- Development of life support systems
- Pressurised suit design and development
NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation
Representative: Michitaka Ono, President and COO
Location: 3-9-14 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Overview: NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation(NESIC) creates various communications systems and services integrating various equipment, software, networks, and services, as well as brand new cutting-edge/venture technologies for its diverse base of customers, such as companies, telecom carriers, governments, and social infrastructure providers. Furthermore, the company is a comprehensive provider of operating and monitoring, maintenance, and outsourcing services.
WEB: https://www.nesic.co.jp/index.html
Applied Meteorological Engineering Consulting Services Co.,Ltd
Representative: Kei Yasuki, President and CEO
Location: 2-3-1, Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Overview:
- Weather and ocean forecast
- Meteorological observation, investigation, analysis and design
- Construction of weather information system
- Sales of weather data
SHIMIZU CORPORATION
Representative: Kazuyuki Inoue, President and Representative Director
Location: 2-16-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Overview:
- Contracting for building, civil engineering, machinery and other construction works
- Research, planning, study, evaluation, diagnosis, soil analysis, surveying, design, supervision, management and consulting in connection with construction works
WEB: https://www.shimz.co.jp/en/
MURORAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Representative: Mizushi Matsuda, President
Location: 27-1 Mizumoto-cho, Muroran, Hokkaido
Overview: Muroran Institute of Technology will take advantage of the rich natural environment of Muroran renowned as a city of innovative manufacturing, offer comprehensive science and technology education, and at the same time, engage in creative scientific and technological research considering the balance between humanity, society and nature, and contribute as a stronghold for the development of local and international knowledge in order to develop a well-rounded society in the future.
WEB: https://muroran-it.ac.jp/
Statements
Yoshinori Odagiri, CEO of SPACE COTAN CO., LTD.
It is a great honor to be selected for the Space Strategy Fund. In order to meet the growing demand for launches, it is essential to expand the range of launch opportunities. Furthermore, there will be a need to address a variety of launch requirements in the future, including Point-to-Point (P2P) flights between continents. With this fund, we aim to develop next-generation launch site technologies that can support high-frequency launches of diverse vehicles, contributing to the development of Japan’s space industry.
Yutaka Kurokawa, Mayor of TAIKI TOWN
It is a pleasure that SPACE COTAN has been selected for the Space Strategy Fund. It is anticipated that this funding will further accelerate the space initiatives being pursued by Taiki Town and SPACE COTAN. We continue to work together with SPACE COTAN to promote the development of space-related industries in Taiki Town and Hokkaido.
About SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd.
Representative: Yoshinori ODAGIRI, President and CEO
Location: 98 Nishihondori, Taiki-machi, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido
Business Overview: Overall promotion of HOSPO projects based on mandates from Taiki town, and operation of HOSPO.
WEB: https://hokkaidospaceport.com
About Taiki Town Office
Representative: Mayor Yutaka Kurokawa
Location: 33, Higashi-Hondori, Taiki-machi, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido
Overview: A town with a population of 5,400 where agriculture, fishing, and forestry are the core industries. The town began attracting aerospace experiments in 1985, and has been promoting the development of a space city for about 40 years since then. Hokkaido Spaceport was opened in 2021 as the global commercial spaceport in Taiki Town. The goal is to create an aerospace industry cluster and ecosystem with Hokkaido Spaceport as its core.
WEB: https://www.town.taiki.hokkaido.jp/
About Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO)
HOSPO is a commercial spaceport open to the private sector in Asia, which was established in Taiki, Japan.
Taiki Town has been attracting the aerospace industry for about 40 years, and is said to be one of the most suitable locations for a world-class spaceport due to its geographical advantages, such as an expansive sea to the east and south for launching rockets, and a large land area that allows for high expansion of the launch site. The suborbital launch site “LC0” is already in operation, and private rockets have reached space three times in the past. To realize our vision of “creating an aerospace industry cluster and ecosystem”, we are developing new launch and test sites. Currently an orbital launch site “LC1” is under construction, as an infrastructure to develop the space industry.
We also aim to promote regional development and Japan’s economic revitalization.
Furthermore, Taiki Town and SPACE COTAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2024, committing to expand international spaceport collaboration with eight commercial spaceports located across five continents. In order to meet the growing demand for launches, we will explore potential strategic collaborations to establish international spaceport standards.
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