AstroX Introduces "SETS," Japan's Largest Stratosphere Environment Test Stand, at Minamisoma MSL Factory
AstroX Inc. has introduced "SETS," Japan's largest stratosphere environment test stand, at its Minamisoma MSL factory to accelerate the practical development of its Rockoon method. This enables ground-based verification of attitude control devices in stratospheric conditions, aiming to shorten development cycles and improve reliability.
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- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 21:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 9, 2026 at 13:00
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AstroX Inc. (Headquarters: Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture; Representative Director CEO: Takebu Oda; hereinafter "AstroX") announces the introduction of a large stratosphere environment test stand, **"SETS (Stratosphere Environment Test Stand),"** at its MSL factory in Minamisoma City to accelerate the practical development of the Rockoon method (a method of ascending to the stratosphere using a balloon and launching a small rocket from high altitude). SETS is a facility designed to simulate a low-pressure environment equivalent to the stratosphere by evacuating the chamber, allowing environmental tests to be conducted by placing test specimens (objects under test). This device was jointly designed and manufactured with Uematsu Electric Co., Ltd. based on AstroX's testing requirements.
The SETS introduced this time is a large-scale specification, designed to accommodate AstroX's CMG (Control Moment Gyro: an attitude control method that changes orientation using the force of a rotating body) device in its actual configuration and perform environmental tests while suspended. This establishes a testing foundation for verifying the reliable operation of the attitude control device on the ground before reaching the stratosphere.
## ▪️Background of Introduction
For the practical application of the Rockoon method, it is crucial that the attitude control and control systems operate reliably in the low-pressure environment (equivalent to the stratosphere) after balloon ascent. To increase the number of demonstrations and move towards commercialization, establishing facilities that can highly reproducibly test full-scale specimens in a stratospheric environment is key to shortening the development cycle and improving reliability. AstroX, based on the results of previous elemental technology verifications, will enhance the success rate of demonstrations and accelerate practical application by securing in-house testing capabilities under stratospheric conditions.
**▪️About SETS (Stratosphere Environment Test Stand)**
SETS is a large-scale environmental testing facility that simulates a low-pressure environment equivalent to the stratosphere. Test specimens can be loaded into and out of the chamber while suspended from the ceiling, and it is designed for status confirmation through observation windows and various measurements and evaluations using multiple flanges (connection ports for wiring, measurement, fluids, etc.).
**Main Specifications (Excerpt)**
Device external dimensions: Width 3,000mm x Depth 3,000mm x Height 4,000mm
Vacuum performance: Vacuum degree 1,000Pa or less (simulating a low-pressure environment equivalent to the stratosphere)
Specimen installation: Ceiling suspension method (loading/unloading while suspended)
Observation windows: 5 locations in total (top, front, back, left, right)
Power supply: 3-phase 200V
Flanges: JIS standard products, minimum 20 systems (for measurement, vacuum, vacuum breaking, liquid nitrogen IN/OUT, etc.)
*Detailed specifications are set based on internal operation and safety design.
## ▪️Comment from AstroX Inc. Director CTO Yutaka Wada
The SETS introduced this time is a large-scale specification, designed to accommodate AstroX's CMG (Control Moment Gyro: an attitude control method that changes orientation using the force of a rotating body) device in its actual configuration and perform environmental tests while suspended. This establishes a testing foundation for verifying the reliable operation of the attitude control device on the ground before reaching the stratosphere.
## ▪️Background of Introduction
For the practical application of the Rockoon method, it is crucial that the attitude control and control systems operate reliably in the low-pressure environment (equivalent to the stratosphere) after balloon ascent. To increase the number of demonstrations and move towards commercialization, establishing facilities that can highly reproducibly test full-scale specimens in a stratospheric environment is key to shortening the development cycle and improving reliability. AstroX, based on the results of previous elemental technology verifications, will enhance the success rate of demonstrations and accelerate practical application by securing in-house testing capabilities under stratospheric conditions.
**▪️About SETS (Stratosphere Environment Test Stand)**
SETS is a large-scale environmental testing facility that simulates a low-pressure environment equivalent to the stratosphere. Test specimens can be loaded into and out of the chamber while suspended from the ceiling, and it is designed for status confirmation through observation windows and various measurements and evaluations using multiple flanges (connection ports for wiring, measurement, fluids, etc.).
**Main Specifications (Excerpt)**
Device external dimensions: Width 3,000mm x Depth 3,000mm x Height 4,000mm
Vacuum performance: Vacuum degree 1,000Pa or less (simulating a low-pressure environment equivalent to the stratosphere)
Specimen installation: Ceiling suspension method (loading/unloading while suspended)
Observation windows: 5 locations in total (top, front, back, left, right)
Power supply: 3-phase 200V
Flanges: JIS standard products, minimum 20 systems (for measurement, vacuum, vacuum breaking, liquid nitrogen IN/OUT, etc.)
*Detailed specifications are set based on internal operation and safety design.
## ▪️Comment from AstroX Inc. Director CTO Yutaka Wada