AstroX Announces Plan to Reach Space via Rockoon Method by FY2026, Unveils FOX2 Rocket and Sponsorship Program
On May 26, 2026, AstroX announced plans to reach space using the 'Rockoon' (balloon-assisted air launch) method within the fiscal year 2026. The company will conduct experiments with the new 'FOX2' rocket.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 00:31
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 16:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 27, 2026 at 05:45 (13h 44m after Collected)
## AstroX's Challenge for Next-Generation Space Transport
On May 26, 2026, AstroX, a company developing satellite orbital launch rockets using air-launch technology (Headquarters: Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture; CEO: Shobu Oda), held a press conference at its Tokyo office to announce its 'Suborbital Mission' slated for fiscal year 2026, the suborbital rocket 'FOX2', and the sponsorship program 'AstroX Rockoon Challenge'.
### 1. Overview of the Suborbital Mission
The mission involves a hybrid rocket launch experiment using the 'Rockoon' method, which transports the rocket to the stratosphere via balloon before ignition. The goal is to reach space at an altitude of over 100km, aiming for the world's first achievement by a private company. This technology represents a significant step towards future commercialization.
### 2. Technological Evolution of the FOX2 Rocket
The FOX2 rocket is the successor to FOX1, which was tested in November 2024. By switching from ground launch to stratospheric launch, air resistance is dramatically reduced. The propulsion system adopts low-melting-point thermoplastic resin (LT), improving combustion speed. Furthermore, by adopting oxidizer pressure control technology and spin stabilization, it achieves high reach accuracy.
### 3. Experimental Milestones
Throughout fiscal year 2026, the company will conduct phased tethered and release experiments with large balloons. In Q3, the actual suborbital rocket Unit 1 will be launched to demonstrate reach into space.
### 4. Expansion of Partnerships
The sponsorship program 'AstroX Rockoon Challenge' has been initiated, with Nippon CMK Co., Ltd. participating as the first platinum sponsor. Additionally, the Infrasound Laboratory of the Kochi University of Technology has been confirmed as the first payload customer.
Since its founding, AstroX has achieved continuous growth, starting with 50 million yen in seed funding, succeeding in 10km-class launch experiments, engaging in co-creation with JAXA, and raising a total of 2.32 billion yen in its Series A round. The company will continue to lead Japan's space development through its Rockoon technology.
On May 26, 2026, AstroX, a company developing satellite orbital launch rockets using air-launch technology (Headquarters: Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture; CEO: Shobu Oda), held a press conference at its Tokyo office to announce its 'Suborbital Mission' slated for fiscal year 2026, the suborbital rocket 'FOX2', and the sponsorship program 'AstroX Rockoon Challenge'.
### 1. Overview of the Suborbital Mission
The mission involves a hybrid rocket launch experiment using the 'Rockoon' method, which transports the rocket to the stratosphere via balloon before ignition. The goal is to reach space at an altitude of over 100km, aiming for the world's first achievement by a private company. This technology represents a significant step towards future commercialization.
### 2. Technological Evolution of the FOX2 Rocket
The FOX2 rocket is the successor to FOX1, which was tested in November 2024. By switching from ground launch to stratospheric launch, air resistance is dramatically reduced. The propulsion system adopts low-melting-point thermoplastic resin (LT), improving combustion speed. Furthermore, by adopting oxidizer pressure control technology and spin stabilization, it achieves high reach accuracy.
### 3. Experimental Milestones
Throughout fiscal year 2026, the company will conduct phased tethered and release experiments with large balloons. In Q3, the actual suborbital rocket Unit 1 will be launched to demonstrate reach into space.
### 4. Expansion of Partnerships
The sponsorship program 'AstroX Rockoon Challenge' has been initiated, with Nippon CMK Co., Ltd. participating as the first platinum sponsor. Additionally, the Infrasound Laboratory of the Kochi University of Technology has been confirmed as the first payload customer.
Since its founding, AstroX has achieved continuous growth, starting with 50 million yen in seed funding, succeeding in 10km-class launch experiments, engaging in co-creation with JAXA, and raising a total of 2.32 billion yen in its Series A round. The company will continue to lead Japan's space development through its Rockoon technology.
FAQ
What are the benefits of the Rockoon method?
Since it launches from the stratosphere, where air resistance is low, it requires less fuel than ground-launched rockets to reach space, enabling significant cost reduction.
Where is the FOX2 rocket developed?
It is developed at a factory in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, where the company has rapidly advanced technical development since its founding in 2022.
Why launch from the stratosphere?
To avoid the heavy drag of launching from dense atmosphere. Because the stratosphere has thin air, it requires less energy to reach space at altitudes of over 100km.