Interstellar Technologies’ small satellite launch vehicle ZERO propellant tank pressure test succeeded
*View in browser* *Interstellar Technologies Co., Ltd.*
Press release: December 19, 2023
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Interstellar Technologies’ small satellite launch vehicle ZERO propellant tank pressure test succeeded
*Achieved strength as designed and established in-house aluminum welding technology*
Interstellar Technologies Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Taiki-cho, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido; President and CEO: Takahiro Inagawa; hereinafter referred to as Interstellar Technologies) is a space infrastructure company that aims to solve Earth’s problems through space
transportation and space utilization. We are pleased to inform you that the propellant tank pressure test (main test) of the small satellite launch vehicle “ZERO” (hereinafter referred to as ZERO) was successfully conducted at the Interstellar Technologies Structural Test Building. The final process of welding the propellant tank was carried out at the main factory, and it was confirmed that the strength as designed was achieved. Interstellar Technologies will steadily proceed with the design, manufacture, and testing of each component in preparation for the launch of the first ZERO.
Acquired aluminum welding technology that requires advanced technology Interstellar Technologies designs all the propellant tanks in-house, which contain the fuel liquefied biomethane and the oxidizer liquid oxygen. The tank is made of aluminum alloy (A2219), which is strong but requires advanced welding techniques, and the main processes from welding to testing are carried out in-house.
This time, we manufactured a sub-scale model of the rocket’s second stage tank (width 1700mm, height 1731.5mm, thickness 3.5mm), which was tested to ensure that it could withstand the designed pressure. We conducted a “destructive test” to see how much pressure it could withstand. In the future, we will proceed with the development and manufacture of actual models based on the data obtained from this test.
[Propellant tank pressure test overview]
Test name: Propellant tank pressure resistance/guarantee test, bursting pressure test, destructive test
Test purpose: To confirm whether the propellant tank has the strength as designed.
Date and time: December 11th and 13th, 2023
Place: Interstellar Technologies Structural Test Building (Taiki Town, Hokkaido) Test results: It was confirmed that the product could withstand the designed test pressure, and data such as strength and failure mode were obtained.
The propellant tank for the rocket’s second stage has been welded. Pressure test
[Specifications of Rocket ZERO]
Total length: 32m
Diameter: 2.3m
Full weight: 71t
Propellant: Fuel liquefied methane (liquefied biomethane), oxidizer liquid oxygen
Number of engines: 9 engines in the first stage, 1 engine in the second stage Launch capacity: LEO 800kg / SSO 250kg *Future maximum capacity Main components of Rocket ZERO
Strengths include competitive prices and dedicated launches
ZERO is a small rocket targeting small-sized satellites that have been driving market expansion in recent years. Based on the knowledge gained from the observation rocket MOMO, which was the first privately operated independent rocket to reach space in Japan, we are proceeding with development with the aim of launching the first vehicle. The space transportation services provided by ZERO are realized through an all-in-one development and manufacturing system, with a launch cost of less than 800 million yen per aircraft (at the time of mass production), a competitive price, and a diversifying satellite business model. Our strength lies in our flexibility, which allows us to launch exclusively for the event. For satellite operators in Japan and Asia/Oceania countries, we will provide the added value of “convenience” by being close to the launch site and requiring no effort or cost until the launch.
Increasing ZERO’s capacity and establishing a position in the Asia/Oceania market
The weight of the small satellites targeted by ZERO is in the 100 to 200 kg range. In order to keep an eye on recent trends and capture strong domestic and international demand, ZERO will increase its capacity to a rocket capable of launching up to 800 kg of satellite weight into low earth orbit (LEO). Through this, we will meet the goals set forth in this project, contribute to building a
self-sustaining domestic space transportation service, and establish a position in the Asian/Oceanian and European markets.
《Interstellar Technologies Co., Ltd. Company Profile》
Interstellar Technologies is a startup company that aims to realize a future where space is within everyone’s reach by providing low-cost and convenient space transportation services. Headquartered in Taiki-cho, Hokkaido, development is progressing at four locations: Tokyo Branch, Fukushima Branch, and Muroran Technical Research Institute (within Muroran Institute of Technology). So far, we have achieved outer space three times using the sounding rocket MOMO, making us the first and only domestic private company to reach outer space, and we are now in full swing with the development of the next-generation small satellite launch rocket ZERO. Satellite development project Our
We are also working on Stars, and aim to be Japan’s first vertically integrated rocket and satellite service.
Address: 149-7 Mebu, Taiki-cho, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido
Representative: Takahiro Inagawa, President and Representative Director Business details: Rocket development, manufacturing, and launch services https://www.istellartech.com/