LOGAN, Utah – Japanese launch startup Interstellar Technologies is preparing for a static fire test later this 12 months that would pave the way in which for orbital launch of its Zero rocket in 2025.
Zero, a vehicle designed to send nearly one metric ton to low-Earth orbit, will help meet demand for small satellite launch capability “not only in Japan, but on the earth,” Keiji Atsuta, Interstellar business development general manager, told “We predict that this rocket will change the market.”
Suborbital to Orbital
Interstellar developed and launched suborbital rockets before starting work on an orbital rocket. The corporate’s Momo suborbital rocket has reached space thrice.
Initially, Interstellar engineers were designing an orbital rocket to loft 100 kilograms to low Earth orbit starting in 2020. After surveying the market and finding little demand for vehicles of that size, Interstellar began planning for a bigger rocket.
The 25-meter Zero with a 1.7-meter diameter is analogous in size to the Rocket Lab Electron.
Zero will launch from Japan’s Hokkaido Spaceport.
“With this launchpad, we will launch to the east side or the south side,” Atsuta said.
Asia and Oceana
Interstellar plans to focus initially on meeting demand for small satellite launches from space agencies and universities in Asia, Australia and Latest Zealand.
Along with the suborbital rocket Momo and Zero, Interstellar plans to develop Deca, a big launch vehicle expected to start flying within the 2030s.
In July, Interstellar announced plans to fuel Zero with liquid biomethane, fuel produced from livestock manure.