Challenging the Frontier of Space Development: Shimane's Hata Seikou and Yoshikawa Seisakusho Take on the World's First Engine Components

Hata Seikou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture) and Yoshikawa Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture) were responsible for processing intake components for the next-generation electric propulsion system "Atmospheric Breathing Ion Engine Orbital Demonstration System (ABIE-X)" promoted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This project is the world's first engine technology that procures fuel in space, and it has been featured in JAXA's technical introduction article on ABIE-X.

[Quote from JAXA Website]
[URL]https://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/ja/project/abie-x/index.html

## Importance of ABIE-X and Intake Components

ABIE-X is a next-generation propulsion system that collects the sparse atmosphere in space and uses it as fuel to drive an ion engine. While conventional satellites load fuel on the ground, ABIE-X is the world's first mechanism that can "locally procure" fuel in space. It is drawing attention as a technology that will contribute to long-term operation in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) and the future of planetary exploration.

Intake components are crucial for propulsion performance, acting as the "entrance" for atmospheric intake into the spacecraft. The precision and shape of these components directly impact propulsion efficiency, making high-precision processing technology extremely important.

## Precision Processing Undertaken

For the special processing using lathes, the two companies divided responsibilities according to their respective areas of expertise. These components have screw-like serrations (a special blade shape) on their surface, which play a vital role in efficiently collecting atmosphere in space.

The determination of component shape and precision was advanced through discussions among JAXA, the design company, and Hata Seikou. Based on drawings created by the design company, adjustment points and improvement suggestions were proposed from the perspective of the processing site, ultimately achieving a shape that was both manufacturable and met performance requirements.

## Handling Thin-Walled Cylindrical Components

Due to their thin cylindrical shape, these components are prone to deformation from processing forces and heat, making it a challenge to ensure high precision. Therefore, stable processing was achieved by adjusting gripping methods and processing conditions to suppress deformation.

## Precision Processing Using Custom Tools

Due to their special shape and the required surface smoothness, these components could not be processed with commercially available tools. Therefore, high-precision lathe processing was carried out using custom-made tools from external manufacturers.

## Prototype Production and Evaluation

Prototypes were also produced to confirm the appropriate pitch (interval) of the serrations. Additionally, since the components are ultimately used as assembled products, prototypes were also made to confirm assemblability. Processing conditions were optimized, and performance was verified to ensure the quality of the finished products.

For the evaluation of quality (precision and smoothness of serrations) and the study of processing methods, technical support was received from the Shimane Industrial Technology Center, utilizing various shape evaluation devices.

## Main Processing and Delivery

After confirming the shape and assemblability with prototypes, high-precision processing of the actual products was carried out, and multiple constituent parts were assembled into finished products. The final products were delivered in an assembled state, meeting high-quality requirements based on their intended use in the space environment.

## Technical Capability and Job Satisfaction

The components processed in this project are part of ABIE-X, which will actually be used in space. Even though the parts may look small during work, considering their role in space gives significant meaning to each process. We will continue to refine our precision processing technology and challenge ourselves in space development and cutting-edge technologies. Here is a field where even inexperienced individuals can become engineers who challenge the world.

## Future Initiatives and Outlook

Leveraging the precision processing technology cultivated through the ABIE-X intake component processing, we aim to continue contributing to space development and advanced industries. We will further develop our expertise in precision processing and design collaboration and continue to take on challenges for the success of next-generation space missions.

## About Hata Seikou Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Hata Seikou Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 691 Kuroida-cho, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, 692-0023 Japan
Representative Director: Tomohiro Hata
Established: March 6, 1970
Capital: 15 million JPY
Business Activities: Manufacturing of ejector pins and special steel precision machined parts
HP: https://hadaseikou.co.jp/

### Contact for Press Inquiries

Hata Seikou Co., Ltd. General Affairs Department, Shinji Arakawa
TEL: 0854-22-3774 (or Mobile: 080-6785-9039)
MAIL: shinji_arakawa@hadaseikou.co.jp

## About Yoshikawa Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Yoshikawa Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 769-9 Shimokoshicho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, 693-0032 Japan
Representative Director: Eiichi Yoshikawa
Established: May 20, 1967
Business Activities: Electrical machinery parts
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