Innovative Space Carrier Inc. Launches Phase 2 of Next-Generation Space Port (NSP) Working Group with 13 Companies and 1 University

Innovative Space Carrier Inc. (ISC), a startup based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, led by CEO Kojiro Hatada, aims to realize a space transportation system that enables round trips to space, under the vision of making it as commonplace as daily delivery of people and cargo.

ISC has launched the second phase of the "Next-Generation Space Port Working Group (NSP-WG)," a collaborative forum for cross-industry and academic partners to discuss the realization of a New Space Port (NSP). The second phase includes 13 companies and 1 university.

Scheduled from June 2026 to March 2027, the group will build upon the NSP concepts developed during the first phase, focusing on refining them and conducting concrete discussions for social implementation.

Review of Phase 1
From August 2024 to October 2025, the first phase involved 18 companies and 1 university across 22 meetings. They positioned the space port as a multifunctional hub for tourism, education, and research, rather than just a launch and landing site. They also assessed land and maritime viability and released a 1/2,300 scale conceptual model.

Key Focus Areas for Phase 2
Building on the initial concepts, Phase 2 will focus on three themes:
(1) Further study of land/maritime facilities and challenges
(2) Exploration of new business models for revenue and fund circulation
(3) Research and preparation for specific demonstration projects

Participating Organizations (13 Companies, 1 University)
The second phase continues with many participants from Phase 1, plus new additions. The members include:
- Air Water Inc. (Continuing)
- Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd. (New)
- Kajima Corporation (Continuing)
- JFE Engineering Corporation (Continuing)
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (Continuing)
- Tsuneishi Solutions Tokyo Bay Co., Ltd. (Continuing)
- Toyo Engineering Corporation (New)
- Nohmi Bosai Ltd. (Continuing)
- Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. (Continuing)
- Mitsui Sumitomo Construction Co., Ltd. (Continuing)
- Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. (Continuing)
- Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation (Continuing)
- Muroran Institute of Technology (Continuing)

Comments from ISC CEO Kojiro Hatada
"We are developing the reusable rocket system 'ASCA' to make the space industry a core pillar for Japan. However, space ports are just as essential as rockets for industrialization. In Phase 2, we will leverage the knowledge gained from Phase 1 to move into a more concrete phase, including business feasibility, operational models, and preparations for demonstrations."