[Future Space Transportation Systems Co., Ltd. (ISC)] Future Space Transportation Systems Co., Ltd. is conducting a small rocket takeoff and landing test “ASCA” assuming space travel.
Start “hopper mission”
*Future Space Transportation System Corporation (ISC)*
Press release: August 14, 2024
**
Future Space Transportation Systems Co., Ltd. begins the ASCA hopper mission, a small rocket takeoff and landing test assuming space travel.
Future Space Transportation System Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director Kojiro Hatada)
ISC (hereinafter referred to as ISC) is a startup company that aims to realize a transportation system that makes space travel possible, with the vision of “A world where people and cargo are delivered every day. Same thing can be done in space.”
ISC has recently begun a takeoff and landing test (mission name: “ASCA hopper”) of a rocket designed for space travel.
The concept for the test began in November 2023, and the test rocket “ASCA” was launched in January 2024.
hopper” is currently being developed. Normally, even early-stage rocket launch tests proceed on a yearly development and test schedule, but ISC’s agile approach to development allows it to begin testing at an unprecedented speed.
Based on the results of this test, ISC plans to launch the small satellite launch vehicle “ASCA 1” from next year and the manned transport vehicle “ASCA 2″ in the early 2030s.
We aim to develop “2”.
Please also refer to the special website for details on the “ASCA hopper mission.”
https://innovative-space-carrier.co.jp/asca-hopper.html
* Overview of “ASCA hopper” mission*
The “ASCA hopper” mission is the first test under the ASCA project. In this test, the small takeoff and landing test aircraft “ASCA” hopper” and confirmed three elements: rocket engine combustion, aircraft takeoff and landing, and inspection and maintenance necessary for reuse.
The following small satellite launch vehicle “ASCA 1” and manned space transport vehicle “ASCA
2), the purpose is to identify issues related to reusability, maintainability, and operability of reusable rockets, and to acquire the ability to develop reusable rockets.
*Features of “ASCA hopper” mission*
* 1. A 2-year-old startup. Unprecedented development speed due to “Agile development”*
Normally, even in the early stages, rocket flight tests proceed on an annual development and test schedule. On the other hand, although ISC is a two-year-old startup, it begins its mission in about seven months (the period from the start of development to the implementation of engine combustion tests).
This unprecedented development speed has been achieved by adopting an agile development system and organizational structure. For example, the test rocket “ASCA
hopper”, we have significantly shortened the development period by proactively incorporating existing technologies and parts as necessary.
Regarding human resources, rather than securing development staff solely from our own employees, we have formed a development team by gathering specialists through business alliances with domestic aviation and communications technology companies. In this way, the general development process for private space development companies in Japan has traditionally been in-house development and completion, but ISC’s organizational structure unique to a startup allows it to complete projects at an unprecedented speed. We are promoting it.
2.* Gradually acquire development capabilities centered on the research and development platform “P4SD”*
While the product itself is important, the ability to quickly plan, design, manufacture, and test products that match the mission we want to carry out is an important asset in the medium to long term. At our company, we are working to improve our development capabilities centered on our research and development platform “P4SD.”
For example, rocket engines are complex systems that take a long time to develop and require huge amounts of capital.
hopper” mission, we are developing a small-scale gas push-driven rocket engine. By adopting a gas push drive system that eliminates the need for a turbo pump, which is the most difficult part of rocket engine development, we will quickly build engine development capabilities at the system level.
After that, we will gradually work on improving performance through the development of turbo pumps, improving propulsion, and reducing size and weight. Furthermore, through collaboration with domestic and overseas partners who already have a track record of development, we are pursuing a strategy to increase the level of technological maturity of technologies other than rocket engines, and improve our overall rocket system development capabilities.
In the future, “ASCA
Based on the results obtained through the “ASCA hopper” mission, we will improve the development capabilities of the entire rocket system and launch the “ASCA” small satellite launch vehicle, which is scheduled for testing from next year onwards.
We will steadily realize the development of the ASCA 1 (Asuka One) and the ASCA 2 (Asuka Two), a manned transport aircraft scheduled for testing in the first half of the 2030s.
* “ASCA hopper” mission future exam schedule*
*September 2024: Electrical system (avionics) integration test* Verification will be conducted at the system level that combines the electrical components that control takeoff and landing of the ASCA hoper.
These electrical components will be used in future development for the ASCA 1 series of small satellite launchers.
*October 2024: Rocket engine integrated combustion test*
Combustion tests will be conducted using not only the engine but also the electrical equipment that controls the aircraft.
The engine will be controlled using an actual flight control device and control method, and combustion conditions will be checked in a simulated flight situation.
*December 2024: Landing gear drop test*
A test will be conducted in which the landing legs of the ASCA hopper are subjected to a shock that simulates a fall during actual flight. These tests are conducted not only using the “ASCA hopper” but also by comparing and evaluating the results with the preliminary analysis results.
Feedback will also be provided to the design of the “1 Series” and will be used for future development.
* From next year: Ground takeoff and landing test *
The main test of the “ASCA hopper” mission.
By actually launching and landing the ASCA hopper, a small rocket for take-off and landing tests, we will identify challenges for reuse operations. The launch altitude is assumed to be approximately 10 meters.
*Comment from Kojiro Hatada, Representative Director of Mirai Space Transportation Systems Co., Ltd.*
In order to realize our goal of “common space transportation,” that is, a world where space transportation is carried out frequently, it is necessary to develop technology to operate reusable rockets with high reliability.
The problem with traditional waterfall development is that it takes a long time to develop a product, and system-level verification is postponed. From the perspective of quickly acquiring development capabilities, we have developed a small takeoff and landing test aircraft called ASCA.
hopper” mission, and are working on forming a team to plan and execute the entire rocket airframe system and developing partners. We have already identified various issues, and I feel that ISC’s development capabilities are improving.
In the future, we will bring together excellent technologies from Japan and abroad through the “ASCA hopper” mission, and launch the small satellite launcher “ASCA
1 series, and contribute to the promotion of Japan’s space industry.
■Our company is actively recruiting human resources!
I want to go to space from Japan.
we take on the challenge.
Aerospace technology × Knowledge from other industries × Backcast thinking Creating new industries with an eye to the future.
Let’s do work worth risking our lives for.
Click here for the recruitment page
https://www.wantedly.com/companies/company_9146989
For inquiries about business collaboration, etc., click here. https://innovative-space-carrier.co.jp/contact/
■We are accepting “advance applications” for space travel.
Please apply from this link.
https://forms.gle/TDc8HpdcR2zCU41t9