Kochi University of Technology and AstroX Sign Payload Agreement for Space and Stratospheric Transport

AstroX, Inc. (Headquarters: Minamisoma, Fukushima; CEO: Shobu Oda) and Kochi University of Technology (Location: Kami, Kochi; President: Shigeomi Chono) have signed two payload agreements to mount infrasound sensors developed by the university onto suborbital rockets and attitude control systems utilizing the "Rockoon" method developed by AstroX.

AstroX is currently developing its Rockoon launch system with the goal of reaching outer space within fiscal year 2026. This mission aims for three-dimensional measurement by simultaneously observing infrasound generated from the same source using sensors positioned at different altitudes: ground level, the stratosphere, and the space-stratosphere boundary.

### Simultaneous Installation of Rocket and Attitude Control System Leveraging Rockoon Features
In this initiative, infrasound sensors will be mounted on both the suborbital rocket and the attitude control system. This configuration enables simultaneous measurement of infrasound across different altitudes. Such simultaneous multi-altitude measurement of the same sound source is a specific observation architecture made possible by the Rockoon method.

### What are Infrasound and Infrasound Sensors?
Infrasound refers to low-frequency sound waves below the range of human hearing (below 20Hz). While human ears cannot perceive them, these waves physically vibrate the air and are generated by natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, lightning, and wind power, traveling at the speed of sound. Infrasound sensors can capture these minute air movements and "visualize" invisible sounds, allowing for near real-time detection and analysis of distant events.

### Scientific Significance of Multi-Altitude Observation
Infrasound is utilized in measuring volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, lightning, avalanches, meteorite entries, and rocket flights. By measuring the same source simultaneously from different altitudes, this mission aims to clarify vertical propagation characteristics that are difficult to obtain through conventional ground-based observations.

### Potential of Rockoon as a Multi-Layer Observation Platform
AstroX plans to conduct regular suborbital flights using Rockoon in the future. The company is actively seeking research institutions, companies, and organizations interested in payload integration for technical demonstrations, scientific observations, or entertainment use in space and the stratosphere.

### Space Education Initiative with Proactive Student Involvement
Students from Kochi University of Technology will proactively participate in payload development, testing, operation, ground observation, and data analysis. Aligning with Japan's Basic Space Plan, which prioritizes human resource development, this project provides students with rare practical experience in project management, system engineering, and interface coordination.

### Future Applications in Disaster Prevention and Planetary Exploration
The technology demonstrated in this mission is expected to expand into the following areas:
- **Disaster Prevention and Mitigation:** Development of a low-cost, high-mobility "Aerial Infrasound Monitoring Network" using balloons and rockets for early detection of tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, especially in remote islands and mountainous areas.
- **Mars Exploration:** Data from the thin atmosphere at high altitudes serves as a reference for Mars, where atmospheric density is about 1/100th of Earth's. This contributes to the technical foundation for future Mars landers or rovers to observe geological activities or meteorite impacts.

### Executive Comments
**Prof. Masayuki Yamamoto, Infrasound Lab, Kochi University of Technology:**
"This mission, aiming for the first simultaneous observation of three atmospheric regions via the Rockoon method, is a vital verification of our flight-mounted infrasound technology, paving the way for future Mars exploration. We also look forward to nurturing the next generation of aerospace engineers through this practical project experience."

**Shobu Oda, CEO of AstroX, Inc.:**
"We are pleased to sign this payload agreement. This represents AstroX's first payload customer and a significant step in proving that Rockoon is not just a launch method, but a new transport platform supporting the challenges of research institutions and universities."

**Yutaka Wada, CTO of AstroX, Inc.:**
"The scientific value lies in observing infrasound from different altitudes simultaneously. This architecture is uniquely suited to the Rockoon method. It holds great potential for disaster mitigation and planetary exploration while serving a significant educational purpose."

### Corporate Profiles
**AstroX, Inc.**
AstroX is a space startup developing space transport services using the Rockoon method (launching rockets from high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere) with the vision of restoring Japan's leadership in space development.
- Established: May 20, 2022
- Business: Space transport services
- URL: https://astrox.jp

**Kochi University of Technology**
A science and engineering university contributing to social issues through advanced specialized education and practical research. It engages in various space-related demonstration studies, including rocket-borne experiments and Antarctic observations.
- Established: April 1, 1997
- URL: https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp