AstroX and JAXA Launch Joint Demonstration for Stratospheric Balloon Attitude Control System

AstroX Inc. (headquartered in Minamisoma, Fukushima, CEO: Shomu Oda) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA, President: Hiroshi Yamakawa) have initiated a joint business demonstration activity under the JAXA Space Innovation Partnership (J-SPARC), which aims to create new space-related businesses. This follows a successful concept co-creation phase that began in 2024, during which ground tests were conducted for a 'suspended attitude control system for balloon platforms.' Based on these positive results, both parties will now proceed with stratospheric flight demonstration tests using JAXA's balloon systems. The validated technology will contribute to enhancing JAXA's balloon systems. Simultaneously, AstroX will reflect these results into the design of a standardized, multi-purpose 'package' for missions including Rockoon-style launches, stratospheric platforms, and construction cranes, accelerating the path toward commercialization. ■ Background JAXA utilizes stratospheric balloon systems as vital tools for advanced academic research, such as astronomical observation. However, attitude control devices for balloon payloads are often custom-designed and built for individual experiments, creating challenges for standardization and reusability across missions. AstroX, involved in Rockoon-based space transportation and stratospheric businesses, identifies the stabilization of suspended systems as a crucial technology. Facing limited data on stratospheric environments and balloon dynamics, they needed system-level verification via actual flight. By combining JAXA's technological base with AstroX's commercial perspective, they initiated J-SPARC concept co-creation in August 2024 to address both technical challenges and commercial scalability. ■ Results of Concept Co-creation AstroX has conducted development studies for the package, including performance evaluations in simulated stratospheric environments using vacuum chambers, disturbance performance tests under wind conditions, and a small rocket suspended-launch experiment as an initial integration test for the Rockoon method. All yielded positive results. JAXA has also conducted environmental simulation and operational tests for the attitude control device on the ground. The co-creation will continue, with JAXA performing further ground-based technical verification based on flight test data, while AstroX proceeds with prototyping and evaluation for commercialization. ■ Intended Outcomes The packaging of the attitude control device aims to contribute to the following areas: Advanced Academic Research: Attitude control devices applicable to next-generation astronomical research. Space Transportation: Rockoon-style satellite launches. Stratospheric Business: Verification of HAPS-related business potential. Non-Aerospace: Spin-offs into areas requiring stabilization of suspended objects, such as construction cranes. ■ Comments Shomu Oda, CEO, AstroX Inc.: 'I am very encouraged that our collaboration with JAXA is now entering the joint demonstration phase, allowing us to accelerate verification in actual stratospheric environments and progress toward a universal package. Beyond its value as a common platform for scientific research, we intend to implement the insights gained into society, extending from Rockoon launches and HAPS to terrestrial applications.' Hideyuki Fuke, Group Lead, Balloon Experiment Group, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), JAXA: 'The co-creation activity started in 2024 to standardize attitude control systems has progressed steadily. Having reached the stage for system-level testing, we have moved into this joint demonstration phase. We will continue strengthening our partnership to contribute to the broad needs of industry, academia, and government, including non-space sectors.'