Search Results for: Interstellar Technologies

Interstellar Technologies Inc. has established a basic agreement, signed on March, 2024, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), regarding the procurement of launch transport services.

This agreement is designed to select private-sector entities capable of launching satellites developed under JAXA’s small satellite missions, thereby advancing the commercialization of space transportation services by startups and other entities through launch contract procurement. Notably, the Japanese government has proposed a policy initiative (*1) to secure approximately 30 domestic launch opportunities annually, using both government and private rockets, by the early 2030s. In light of this initiative, Interstellar will continue to further autonomous domestic space access through the ongoing development of the rocket ZERO, which integrates reliability and cost competitiveness.

This agreement is established in accordance with JAXA-SMASH (JAXA – Small Satellite Rush Program), a program aimed at expanding transportation and small satellite missions. Privately selected transport services under this program will launch small satellite missions publicly solicited by JAXA(*2). Interstellar has been designated as “Launch Operator A,” receiving priority for future procurement contracts.

In line with the new Space Basic Plan approved by the Japanese Cabinet in June 2023, the Japanese government targets the launching all domestic satellites, regardless if government or private, using Japan’s flagship rockets or private rockets, starting from fiscal year 2028. This initiative also aims to capture overseas demand.

In September of 2023, Interstellar was selected for the “Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR Phase 3)” by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, encouraging research and development by startups and others (*3), with governmental support to be provided for both research and development and launch contract procurement to achieve early realization of affordable, frequent private space transport services domestically.5

ZERO is a smallsat launch vehicle designed to target the growing market for small-sized satellites in recent years. Building on the knowledge gained from the successful launch of the private suborbital launch vehicle MOMO, the first of its kind in Japan’s private sector, Interstellar is progressing toward the first launch of ZERO.

ZERO’s space transportation service distinguishes itself with competitive pricing—at less than 800 million JPY per launch (in mass production)—made possible through an integrated development and manufacturing process. Another key strength is its flexibility to provide customized launches tailored to the rising needs of satellite companies. For satellite companies in Japan, Asia, and Oceania, proximity to the launch site ensures convenience, reducing launch-related time and costs and enhancing overall value.

With an eye on recent trends and the demand both locally and globally, ZERO is enhancing its capacity to launch satellites of up to 800 kilograms into LEO. This strategic contributes to the establishment of an independent domestic space transportation service. Simultaneously, it positions Interstellar to establish a firm presence in the Asia-Oceania and European markets.

Takahiro Inagawa, CEO of Interstellar Technologies, said, “Space technology’s complexity and the limited opportunities for challenges have hindered the expansion of space utilization and industrial growth. JAXA-SMASH presents an innovative opportunity for demonstrating cutting-edge technology with satellites to break through these limitations. We are honored to be part of it, bringing our space transport services to the table. Looking ahead, we anticipate a substantial increase in space transport opportunities domestically. However, we’re all hands on deck, pushing ahead with technology demonstration and business development, ready to seize the day in this new era.”

ZERO: Specifications

Height: 32m
Diameter: 2.3m
Wet mas: Weight: 71 ton
Propellant: Liquid Methane (Biomethane) Oxidizer: Liquid Oxygen
Number of Engines: 1st Stage: 9, 2nd Stage: 1
Payload Capacity: LEO 800kg / SSO 250kg (Future Maximum Capacity)

*1 Space Policy Committee 109th Meeting Agenda https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/comittee/dai109/gijisidai.html
*2 JAXA-SMASH Web Page https://aerospacebiz.jaxa.jp/jaxa-smash/launch-service/
*3 Press Release dated September 29, 2023 https://www.istellartech.com/en_news/830

Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc. has launched their first icMercury PocketQube satellite, HADES-ICM—the satellite was deployed into LEO aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 15, 2025.

This mission represents a significant step toward expanding space access for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. Developed in collaboration with experienced satellite manufacturing and launch partners, the icMercury satellite highlights how emerging space technologies are unlocking new opportunities in communication, exploration, and business applications.

Despite their small size, PocketQubes provide a cost-effective and ficient platform for research, Earth observation, and communication, making space more accessible than ever before. By leveraging this technology, icMercury moves closer to its vision of offering personal satellite services, allowing users to engage with space in an intuitive and meaningful way.

HADES-ICM is a 1.5P PocketQube satellite, measuring 5 cm × 5 cm × 8 cm, and weighing 400 g. It carries a hardware payload to test a low-power active graphene radiator developed by SmartIR, a spin-out from the University of Manchester, aiming to assess its feasibility in space. HADES-ICM is equipped with an SDR-based FM and FSK repeater for AX.25/APRS communications at 300/1200 bps, operating in the UHF band for downlink and VHF band for uplink.

Supported by the International Trade Council, the company, together with its partners on the icMercury project, will host a free webinar, “Unlocking the Possibilities – How You Can Launch a Satellite,” on March 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT. The event will offer an inside look at the development and potential of PocketQube satellite technology, providing a unique opportunity to explore the journey of satellite launches and understand how space is rapidly becoming a tangible platform for innovation and growth. The webinar will also introduce the upcoming icMercury app, demonstrating how users can interact with the satellite in real time.

Register for this webinar at this direct link…

About Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc.
Interstellar Communication Holdings, Inc., a Florida based company, is a holding company that connects and consolidates space-related companies, enabling entrepreneurs and investors to tap into the vast potential of the universe. Interstellar Communication Holdings provides an affordable personal satellite service named icMercury for stargazers, using Pocketqube technology and a customized user platform. With this service, users will be able to access their satellite and unlock the potential of the universe.

Interstellar Technologies Inc. successfully passed the stage-gate review for the Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase 3 (SBIR Phase 3) on September 19, 2024. Administered by the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to promote R&D in startups, the program will grant Interstellar up to 4.63 billion Yen in new funding.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program aims to promote the practical application of advanced technologies developed by startups and similar entities. Under this initiative, companies in the space sector focused on the development and testing of private rockets can receive up to ¥14 billion by Phase 3, with the program running through fiscal year 2027. Interstellar was selected for Phase 1 of this project in September 2023, with a grant of up to ¥2 billion. After successfully passing the stage-gate review, the company has now advanced to Phase 2, securing a grant of up to ¥4.63 billion.

Global demand for small satellite launches has surged since the 2010s, driven by the rise of private space enterprises, growing importance in the security sector, and the emergence of new applications like satellite constellations. The number of satellites weighing 1,200 kg or less launched increased from 2,429 in 2022 to 2,860 in 2023, marking a 20-fold rise since 2016. Despite this growth, the supply of space transportation services continues to lag behind demand, creating a significant bottleneck in the industry. In Japan, launch opportunities remain scarce, with only a few conducted annually, leading many Japanese satellite operators to rely on overseas providers.

In response to these challenges, the Japanese government has set a target of achieving 30 domestic rocket launches annually by the early 2030s. This goal, part of the Space Strategy Fund Basic Policy, involves utilizing both government and commercial rockets to address various launch needs both domestically and internationally. Interstellar is committed to advancing Japan’s independent access to space through the development of ZERO, a low-cost, high-frequency rocket designed for launching small satellites. The company also aims to establish a globally competitive space transportation system.

ZERO Specifications

Height: 32 m
Diameter: 2.3 m
Launch Mass: 71 ton
Fuel: Liquid Bio-methane Oxidizer: Liquid Oxygen
Number of Engines: 1st Stage x 9, 2nd Stage x 1
Payload Capacity: LEO 800 kg / SSO 250 kg

ZERO is an orbital class launch vehicle designed to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches. Building on the expertise gained from the successful launch of MOMO, Japan’s first private suborbital launch vehicle, Interstellar is advancing toward the inaugural launch of ZERO.

In response to growing global and regional demand, ZERO is increasing its capacity to launch satellites of up to 800 kilograms into LEO. This strategic enhancement strengthens Japan’s independent space transportation capabilities and positions Interstellar to establish a strong foothold in both the Asia-Oceania and European markets.

Takahiro Inagawa, Chief Executive Officer of Interstellar Technologies Inc., said, “We are honored to have our achievements over the past year in the SBIR Phase 3 project recognized and selected for the next phase following a rigorous evaluation process. We feel the growing demand for rockets, which are essential for autonomy and the expansion of the space market within Japan, on a daily basis. Building on the extensive accomplishments we have achieved since our founding, we will continue our unwavering efforts to become a comprehensive infrastructure company in the space industry.”

ZERO’s space transportation service stands out with competitive pricing—under ¥800 million per launch (in mass production)—enabled by an integrated development and manufacturing process. Additionally, ZERO offers the flexibility of customized launches, tailored to the specific needs of satellite companies. For satellite operators in Japan, Asia, and Oceania, proximity to the launch site provides added convenience, reducing both launch-related time and costs, ultimately enhancing overall value.

Interstellar Technologies Inc. has successfully raised 3.1 billion yen in the firm’s Series E round, via third-party share allocation to new investors such as SBI GROUP and NTT DOCOMO, INC., alongside financing from Resona Bank,Ltd. — this addition brings the cumulative funding, including subsidies, to about 17 billion yen.

Interstellar is pursuing Japan’s first vertical integration of the rocket and satellite businesses. In September of 2023, the development of the orbital class launch vehicle ZERO was selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “SBIR Phase 3” (Small Business Innovation Research).

Upon successful completion of two stage-gate evaluations, as much as 14 billion yen will be granted by fiscal year 2027, supporting steady progress towards the inaugural launch.

Interstellar’s proposed ‘Satellite Communication 3.0’ enables direct connections with ground terminals such as smartphones, promising high-speed, high-capacity communication comparable to terrestrial networks. With this concept, the satellite department focuses on areas where the strengths of owning a rocket company can be maximized, aiming to enter the satellite communication market led by ventures such as SpaceX’s ‘Starlink’.

Joint research with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) commenced in September 2023, with NICT also participating as an investor in this round.

Additionally, in June 2024, the company was entrusted with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ “Expanding Wireless Communication Spectrum Research Project.”

As Japan’s first vertically integrated rocket and satellite startup, Interstellar will use this newly secured funding to accelerate both its rocket and satellite operations.