{"id":204,"date":"2024-10-08T23:46:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T14:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startuphokkaido.com\/en\/?p=204"},"modified":"2024-10-14T09:47:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T00:47:17","slug":"the-future-of-space-tech-in-hokkaido-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startuphokkaido.com\/en\/blog\/204\/","title":{"rendered":"The future of Space Tech in Hokkaido, Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo by\u00a0NASA\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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\u2019s space ventures are preparing themselves through innovation and harnessing geographical advantages.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Small Town in Hokkaido a Unique Geo-Location for Space Launches<\/h1>\n

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\u00a0Hokkaido Spaceport<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>(HOSPO). The project is located in Taiki-town, situated on Hokkaido\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Source:\u00a0https:\/\/hokkaidospaceport.com\/en\/our-plan<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Helping Satellites Reach The Last Mile \u2014 Letera<\/h1>\n

Hokkaido has also seen some great space start-ups such as\u00a0Letera<\/a>\u00a0run 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.<\/p>\n

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Source: Letera<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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They have developed a propulsion system in collaboration with Hokkaido University that\u2019s 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 \u201clast mile\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Leading the Japanese Space Tech Ecosystem: Interstellar Technologies<\/h1>\n

Interstellar Technologies<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cZERO\u201d Source:Interstellar Technologies<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Currently they are developing three rockets and one satellite service<\/p>\n