AstroX Co., Ltd.
AstroX, a private space startup that develops satellite orbit insertion rockets, raises 400 million yen in pre-series A round. -Strengthening rocket development investment and human resources recruitment with the aim of reaching outer space in 2025-
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AstroX Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, Representative Director: Shotake Oda, hereinafter referred to as “AstroX”), which develops satellite orbit insertion rockets using the air launch method, has ICJ2 Fund Investment Limited Partnership as its lead investor. We raised a total of 400 million yen in pre-series A round. With this procurement, we will strengthen investment in rocket development and human resources recruitment with the aim of reaching outer space in 2025.
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About AstroX’s satellite orbit insertion rocket business
AstroX is a private space startup founded in May 2022 with the vision of “regaining Japan as No. 1 in space development.”
The space industry is rapidly growing worldwide, and the global space industry market is predicted to exceed approximately 120 trillion yen by 2040.
Among these, the demand for artificial satellites, such as services using satellites, is growing significantly, and the demand for launching small satellites is also rapidly increasing. However, Japan currently lacks rockets to carry satellites into space, and almost 100% of Japan’s small satellites are launched using overseas rockets. This lack of launch opportunities is a major issue for Japan’s space development.
In order to solve this problem and make the space industry a major industry in Japan, AstroX provides research and development services to realize high-frequency, low-cost launches using the Rockoon method, a method of launching from balloons into the air. We are working on expansion.
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Procurement accelerates development of suborbital rocket “FOX” A suborbital rocket is a single-stage rocket that reaches an altitude of 100km into space and returns. AstroX is researching and developing a service that inserts satellites into orbit using the Rockoon method, which uses a balloon to launch a rocket into the stratosphere and then launches the rocket into the air. We successfully conducted an integration test (hereinafter referred to as “this test”) of the attitude control system during an air launch.
Based on this funding, we will accelerate the development of “FOX” with the aim of reaching space in 2025, and as a space transportation venture from Japan, we will strive to commercialize Rockoon
technology, the world’s first balloon launch. Masu.
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■Comments from investors who invested
ICJ (Inclusion Japan) Yuka Hattori
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In order to create a space “industry” from Japan, rockets are essential as infrastructure.
If hybrid fuel rockets, which have not yet been put into practical use anywhere in the world, could be launched from balloons (rockoon method), it would create a low-cost, safe means of space
transportation that would not be affected by Japan’s lack of launch sites. We are confident that the success of AstroX will become the foundation of Japan’s future industry.
Nissay Capital Menoyo Hotta
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We are pleased to be able to join AstroX in their attempt to become the first company in the world to achieve the world’s first rocket launch method in which a rocket is lifted into the stratosphere using a balloon and launched into the air. After raising funds in 2022, AstroX has been making steady progress toward reaching outer space using the Rockoon method, including successful engine combustion experiments and azimuth-controlled aerial launch experiments from a balloon.
As an investor, we will do our best to support AstroX, including President Oda, who passionately talks about his desire to make the space industry a major industry in Japan.
ANOBAKA Yasukazu Nagano
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When I heard about AstroX from Mr. Oda about two years ago, I was excited about its potential but wondered if it was really possible. I made a seed investment amid this anxiety.
After that, as I watched Mr. Oda steadily accomplish important milestones and involve those around him, my anxiety gradually eased. I couldn’t stop being excited about AstroX’s visionary activities, so I invested in them twice following Seed. I can’t help but look forward to the future AstroX.
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Mr. Shogo Irokawa
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The lockoon-type satellite orbit insertion rocket developed by AstroX enables low-cost, high-frequency launches without relying on launch sites.It solves the problem of a lack of launch vehicles in Japan and serves as infrastructure to support the space industry. We hope that it will become an indispensable presence. We will provide maximum support in various aspects such as financing and business development for the company’s further growth.
List of investors in this round
・Inclusion Japan Co., Ltd.
・Nissei Capital Co., Ltd.
・ANOBAKA Co., Ltd.
・Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd.
・Vector Co., Ltd.
・Kamata Planning Co., Ltd.
・United Co., Ltd.
・Iceblue Fund Limited Liability Partnership
・90s Co., Ltd.
・Spring Star Capital Co., Ltd.
・Morich Co., Ltd.
・G-STARTUP Fund
・Bonko Hayashi
・Masaru Sakamoto
We are looking for friends who aim to reach outer space together. AstroX is looking for people involved in rocket development, mainly engineers, regardless of whether they are full-time employees or part-time employees. If you sympathize with our efforts or have even the slightest interest in space exploration, please feel free to contact us.
Recruitment site URL: https://astrox.jp/recruit/
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Company Profile
Company name:AstroX, Inc.
Head office location: 1-87 Honmachi, Odaka-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture
Representative: Representative Director/CEO Shotake Oda
Established: May 20, 2022
Business content: Space transportation business
Company URL: https://astrox.jp
Contact information for press inquiries regarding this matter AstroX Co., Ltd. Public Relations: Nakamatsu Phone: 03-6824-7894 Email address: yoshimi_nakamatsu@astrox.jp