MOL PLUS (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' CVC) Decides to Make Additional Investment in Innovative Space Carrier Inc., a Developer of Reusable Rockets
MOL PLUS, the CVC arm of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, has made an additional investment in Innovative Space Carrier Inc., a company developing reusable rockets, to strengthen their partnership for the social implementation of offshore rocket launch and recovery.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 14:31
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MOL PLUS Co., Ltd. (Representative: Takuya Sakamoto; hereinafter "MOL PLUS") has made an additional investment in Innovative Space Carrier Inc. (President: Kojiro Hatada; hereinafter "Innovative Space Carrier"), which develops, manufactures, and launches reusable rockets.
Innovative Space Carrier is a startup aiming for high-frequency and low-cost space transportation through the development of reusable rockets, based on the vision: "A world where people and goods are delivered every day. Making this ordinary reality, even in space."
In fiscal year 2024, the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Group began a joint study on offshore rocket launch and recovery operations, utilizing its expertise in the shipping and marine business as well as safe navigation technologies. Following this, MOL PLUS conducted its first investment in Innovative Space Carrier. In April 2026, the two companies jointly obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) for an unmanned, autonomous rocket recovery vessel, and are proceeding with studies for its social implementation. Aiming to conduct demonstration tests in the 2030s, this additional investment was made to further strengthen the collaboration toward the social implementation of offshore launch and recovery.
MOL PLUS will continue to aim for the creation of new businesses that "add new value to the marine industry and society" by creating synergies between the innovative ideas and technologies of startups and the resources held by the MOL Group.
Innovative Space Carrier is a startup aiming for high-frequency and low-cost space transportation through the development of reusable rockets, based on the vision: "A world where people and goods are delivered every day. Making this ordinary reality, even in space."
In fiscal year 2024, the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) Group began a joint study on offshore rocket launch and recovery operations, utilizing its expertise in the shipping and marine business as well as safe navigation technologies. Following this, MOL PLUS conducted its first investment in Innovative Space Carrier. In April 2026, the two companies jointly obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) for an unmanned, autonomous rocket recovery vessel, and are proceeding with studies for its social implementation. Aiming to conduct demonstration tests in the 2030s, this additional investment was made to further strengthen the collaboration toward the social implementation of offshore launch and recovery.
MOL PLUS will continue to aim for the creation of new businesses that "add new value to the marine industry and society" by creating synergies between the innovative ideas and technologies of startups and the resources held by the MOL Group.
FAQ
What is the relationship between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Innovative Space Carrier?
They are partners where MOL PLUS is an investor, working closely on the joint study and design approval of offshore launch and recovery vessels.
What is an autonomous rocket recovery vessel?
A ship that autonomously navigates to safely recover rockets after launch, which is key to reducing space transportation costs.
What is the ultimate goal of this project?
To realize high-frequency, low-cost space transportation, aiming for demonstration tests in the 2030s and eventually social implementation.