Interstellar Technologies Inc. (Headquarters: Taiki-cho, Hokkaido; CEO Takahiro Inagawa, President Satoshi Nakayama; hereinafter referred to as "Interstellar Technologies") is pleased to announce that the development and demonstration of its small satellite launch rocket ZERO (hereinafter referred to as "ZERO") has passed the stage-gate review for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) "Promotion of Innovation Creation by Small and Medium Enterprises (SBIR Phase 3)" program (hereinafter referred to as "this program"). As a result, an additional grant of up to approximately 7.37 billion yen has been decided (Note 1), with a target completion date of March 31, 2026.

This program aims to promote the social implementation of cutting-edge technologies held by startups and other entities within the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) framework. The project period for the space sector (project theme: Development and demonstration of commercial rockets) is five years, from September 2023 to fiscal year 2027. Interstellar Technologies was initially selected as one of four companies and was chosen among three companies that passed the stage-gate review in September 2024. In this latest review, two companies, including Interstellar Technologies, have passed and will move to the final phase, which includes flight demonstrations. The cumulative grant amount will be up to approximately 15.44 billion yen.

During this period, Interstellar Technologies has steadily advanced both its business and development, including raising a total of 20.1 billion yen in private funding with Woven by Toyota, Inc. as the lead investor (Note 2). The first ZERO rocket is already slated to carry seven domestic and international private satellites. Furthermore, through a business partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota, the company is working to establish a manufacturing system for commercialization beyond the first flight (Note 3). As a result, the stage-gate review committee members and others highly praised the company, stating, "Through business partnerships with major automobile manufacturers, etc., there is a sense of potential to make rocket launches an industry in Japan while incorporating manufacturing know-how for mass production." and "The plan integrates element technologies, manufacturing methods, and operational methods selected during the R&D phase into concrete demonstrations, including the positioning of the first ZERO rocket, which is a prerequisite for business viability.".

Satellite launch demand has grown dramatically over the past decade. Globally, the total number of rocket launches is projected to increase to 316 in 2025, while Japan's launch count remains at only 3, accounting for less than 1% of the global share. Currently, over 90% of domestic satellites are launched by foreign rockets. The government's basic policy for the Space Strategy Fund aims to secure domestic launch capacity of approximately 30 launches per year by both core and commercial rockets by the early 2030s. Through ZERO, Interstellar Technologies aims to contribute to the expansion of Japan's independent space access by realizing internationally competitive space transportation services, while pursuing its mission to "Provide infrastructure for space used by society.".

*1 MEXT Stage-Gate Review Results *2 Press Release dated January 16, 2026 *3 Press Release dated August 4, 2025 《Interstellar Technologies Inc. Company Overview》 Interstellar Technologies aims to become the first vertically integrated rocket and communication satellite business in Japan, with the mission to "Provide infrastructure for space used by society." Established in Taiki-cho, Hokkaido, in 2013, the company achieved space access for the first time as a private Japanese company with its MOMO sounding rocket. Currently, it is developing the ZERO rocket, a dedicated small satellite launch service. In addition to its headquarters in Taiki, Hokkaido, the company has branches in Tokyo, Fukushima Prefecture, and Obihiro City, Hokkaido. Location: 149-7 Me-bu, Taiki-cho, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido Representatives: CEO Takahiro Inagawa, President Satoshi Nakayama Business Activities: Rocket development, manufacturing, and launch services; satellite development, manufacturing, and operation services https://www.istellartech.com/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News