Photo by NASA on Unsplash

The space industry is expected to grow at a rapid pace, being regarded similarly to AI and blockchain technologies. World-class entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are heavily investing in the future of space. One major aspect of the space industry is launching satellites, as they help collect data, provide location based services, and communication methods. Given the industries growth, Japan’s space ventures are preparing themselves through innovation and harnessing geographical advantages.

The article will draw information from topics discussed at the CIC Tokyo event, where Daisuke Ode (COO of Hokkaido Spaceport), Landon Kamps (Co-CEO of Letera), and Kiyotaka Ichiyanagi (AXELA Team PM and SPACETIDE representative), discussed the unique space ventures in Hokkaido Japan.

Small Town in Hokkaido a Unique Geo-Location for Space Launches

Hokkaido is naturally one of the best geo-locations to launch space-tech in the world. A main contributor taking advantage of this asset is by Daisuke Ode COO of Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO). The project is located in Taiki-town, situated on Hokkaido’s coastline. The location offers an open sea on the east and south coast perfect for launching in various directions. The location also has clear weather for most of the year preventing unexpected delays.

Source: https://hokkaidospaceport.com/en/our-plan

The spaceport features full launch support: Launch Pad, Launch Control Center, Range Control Center, Vehicle Tracking System, Vehicle Assemble Building, Satellite Assemble Building and firing test facilities etc. The goal is to accelerate space industry development in Japan and attract global players. Adding to the spaceport, Hokkaido as a region has a lot open land that can be used for testing innovative space tech. Research facilities such as Hokkaido University have been able to fully utilize the land for their benefit.

Helping Satellites Reach The Last Mile — Letera

Hokkaido has also seen some great space start-ups such as Letera run by Landon Kamps (Co-CEO of Letera), a venture dedicated to developing modular propulsion systems for small satellites and spacecraft developers. Letera is a promising start-up quickly expanding to 27 employees within a few months with significant funding.

Source: Letera

They have developed a propulsion system in collaboration with Hokkaido University that’s both high-powered and safe. The proprietary system uses plastic as fuel, aiming to help sustainability and environmental goals while maintaining full functionality. Their engine can act as a key component for small satellites that commonly cannot travel the “last mile” to more desirable orbits. Solving an issue where most small satellites remain stuck in rideshare orbit, limited space developers to a narrow range of orbits. Recently as satellite demand increase the need for mobility has grown and with it the potential for the Letera is bright.

Leading the Japanese Space Tech Ecosystem: Interstellar Technologies

Interstellar Technologies, established in 2005, aimed to pioneer private space industry in Japan at a time when it was largely unrecognized. The company envisions a future where space is accessible to all and has taken significant steps towards this, including being the first in Japan to launch a privately developed rocket to space in 2019. They achieved another milestone in 2021 with two rockets reaching space in a single month. As the demand for microsatellite launch vehicles surges, they are developing the vehicle ZERO and are also integrating with their satellite development subsidiary, Our Stars, to create a substantial space-related supply chain in Hokkaido, Japan. By innovating in the rocket and satellite sectors, they aim to lower space entry barriers, thus working towards a sustainable future for Earth through expanded space utilization.

“ZERO” Source:Interstellar Technologies

Currently they are developing three rockets and one satellite service

• Zero: Small satellite launch vehicle used for dedicated launches to ride-sharing options, enabling flexible scheduling to desired orbits. The vehicle is customizable for client needs and offers a competitive and low-cost launch service. The In-house design significantly reduce the time from contract to launch.
• Momo: Sounding rocket performs ballistic flights, reaching space altitudes of 80–100km before returning to Earth and landing in the sea. The rocket is used for facilitating scientific experiments in microgravity conditions during its flight.
• Deca: A large launch vehicle to offer mass transportation services by the 2030. This service aims to cater to various needs including building megaconstellations, putting large satellites into orbit, delivering cargo to space stations and exploring asteroids. They intend to maintain the low-cost design and production techniques proven in their MOMO and ZERO rockets, and will incorporate cutting-edge reusability technology in the first stage of the “DECA” rocket to further reduce costs.
• Our Stars: A new patent-pending technology that enables direct communication with mobile devices by forming a giant antenna with thousands of femto-satellites the size of a ping-pong ball flying in formation. Aiming to commercialize the next generation of satellite communications.

The founder and large investor of Interstellar technologies is Takafumi Horie a Japanese entrepreneur who previously founded Livedoor. Horie expressed ambitions for Interstellar Technologies to catch up with industry leaders like SpaceX in the commercial space rocket-launching sector. Through this venture, Horie has showcased a persistent engagement and innovative approach towards making space more accessible and advancing Japan’s stance in the global space industry.

Networking and Support for Ambitions Space Ventures

Every venture and innovation needs a ecosystem of support to succeed, leading this role is SPACETIDE an association aiming to boost space businesses. The association was formed understanding the vitality of networking opportunities, private sector initiatives, and acceleration programs.

One of the main events organized by SPACETIDE is an annual business conference that has garnered increasing participation every year. The conference invites experts from the Asia-Pacific region and notable entrepreneurs like Takafumi Horie to discuss the future of space-tech. The conference is not just a platform for discussions but a hub for new business opportunities, partnerships, and networking.

SPACETIDE also operates an acceleration program named AXELA. Launched last year, this program supports promising seed-stage space startups to boost their presence in the APAC region. These accelerators are crucial in the space industry, where business development often takes a long time.

Source: AXELA

On top of the SPACETIDE contributions, the Japanese government has committed significant financial investment to boost the space industry. Recent reports suggest a potential budget allocation of around 500 billion yen for the coming fiscal year. As well, competition in the industry is fostered through events such as “S-Booster” which is a annual space business idea contest.

Summary: Hokkaido Japan’s Space Industries Potential

Hokkaido is positioning itself as a cornerstone for the burgeoning space industry in Japan. Through its unique geographical advantages offered by the Hokkaido Spaceport, the innovative endeavours of startups like Letera, and the supportive network fostered by associations like SPACETIDE, Hokkaido is carving its niche as a hub for space-tech advancement. Balancing sustainability, technological prowess, and financial backing, Hokkaido exemplifies how regional strengths can be harnessed to develop a space business ecosystem.