Rocket Link Technology Conducts Medium-Scale Ground Combustion Test of Innovative Solid Fuel 'LTP'
Rocket Link Technology has successfully conducted a medium-scale ground combustion test for its innovative solid propellant 'LTP', which can reduce manufacturing time to 1/10th of traditional methods. The test confirmed compatibility with existing fuels and high manufacturability, marking a significant step toward low-cost space transportation.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 11:31
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## Rocket Link Technology Conducts Medium-Scale Ground Combustion Test of Innovative Solid Fuel 'LTP'
Rocket Link Technology (President: Yasuhiro Morita) announced on May 26, 2026, the successful execution of a medium-scale ground combustion test using its innovative solid propellant 'LTP' (Low melting temperature Thermoplastic Propellant).
The company aims to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space transportation through the development of LTP suitable for large rockets like the Epsilon class. Following a test using sounding rockets in February 2026, this latest test confirmed that LTP can reduce manufacturing time by approximately 90% compared to existing solid fuels for practical-sized sounding rockets. It also demonstrated mechanical strength and combustion characteristics compatible with current solid fuels.
In this test, an improved version of LTP was applied to a rocket motor with a diameter of 250mm. By obtaining internal ballistic characteristics, the company verified the possibility of substituting existing fuels. Furthermore, the test confirmed that intermittent filling of solid fuel is possible, enabling a shift to simpler, small-equipment manufacturing processes and contributing to cost reductions.
Looking ahead, the company will focus on enhancing LTP properties and designing and developing automated casting systems for rocket motors. This test was conducted as part of a service contract awarded by the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA)'s Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute.
Rocket Link Technology (President: Yasuhiro Morita) announced on May 26, 2026, the successful execution of a medium-scale ground combustion test using its innovative solid propellant 'LTP' (Low melting temperature Thermoplastic Propellant).
The company aims to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space transportation through the development of LTP suitable for large rockets like the Epsilon class. Following a test using sounding rockets in February 2026, this latest test confirmed that LTP can reduce manufacturing time by approximately 90% compared to existing solid fuels for practical-sized sounding rockets. It also demonstrated mechanical strength and combustion characteristics compatible with current solid fuels.
In this test, an improved version of LTP was applied to a rocket motor with a diameter of 250mm. By obtaining internal ballistic characteristics, the company verified the possibility of substituting existing fuels. Furthermore, the test confirmed that intermittent filling of solid fuel is possible, enabling a shift to simpler, small-equipment manufacturing processes and contributing to cost reductions.
Looking ahead, the company will focus on enhancing LTP properties and designing and developing automated casting systems for rocket motors. This test was conducted as part of a service contract awarded by the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA)'s Defense Innovation Science and Technology Institute.
FAQ
LTP（低融点熱可塑性推進薬）とはどのような燃料ですか？
従来の熱硬化性樹脂と異なり、可逆的な自然冷却で成型可能な固体燃料です。再加熱による溶融や充填のやり直し、残った推進薬の再利用が可能なため、製造工程の簡素化と短縮が期待できます。
今回の試験で確認された成果は何ですか？
直径250mmのロケットモータに適用し、現行の固体燃料と互換可能な機械強度や燃焼特性を持つことを確認しました。また、製造期間を現行比で約1/10に短縮できる高い製造性も実証されました。
ロケットリンクテクノロジー社の今後の目標は何ですか？
低コストで使いやすいロケットの開発を通じ、宇宙輸送手段の低コスト化・高頻度化を目指しています。今後はLTPの特性向上と、ロケットモータへの自動注型システムの構築を推進します。
本試験はどのような枠組みで実施されましたか？
防衛装備庁 防衛イノベーション科学技術研究所から受注した役務請負契約において実施されました。
ロケットリンクテクノロジー社はどのような企業ですか？
2023年4月設立、神奈川県相模原市に拠点を置くスタートアップです。低コストかつ高頻度な宇宙輸送の実現を目指し、ロケットおよび宇宙機の設計・開発・製造・販売事業を行っています。