Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions Research on transportation technology
With the aim of expanding Japan's independent launch capability and strengthen its launch services' international competitiveness, we are conducting research to improve performance, reliability, and safety with the aim of drastic cost reduction of space transportation.
This project will research and develop basic technologies such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines and thermal protection technologies to quickly acquire the bottleneck technologies essential to realize an innovative space transportation system.
The Value of Our Research
The space transportation system should guarantee reliable and low-cost space access as an essential enabler for the successful implementation of any space program.
Every space-faring nation has been making constant efforts to improve the performance, reliability, and cost of its own space transportation systems. Nowadays private companies have entered the international launch service marketplace and the market is getting more competitive.
The Basic Plan on Space Policy calls for the assurance of independent space programs and for maintaining and strengthening a space industrial base. Under this plan we will research innovative space transportation system to pave the way to the future utilization of space.
Research Goals
Research has been conducted in the following categories: (1) system, (2) propulsion and engine, (3) avionics, (4) structure, (5) LNG propulsion system, etc.
The research target is to set different goals for each task. Some research aims to find solutions directly applicable to upgrading and solving problems of current projects. Others seek to develop innovative technologies used for the H3 rocket and the advanced Epsilon rocket. Still others seek to enable the development of innovative space transportation systems for the future. In particular, we focus on the research of reusable launch system for further improvements in both cost and competitiveness.