From Space to Region: Robodex, JAXA, and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture Sign Business Alliance to Build BOG Hydrogen Utilization Model
Robodex Co., Ltd. has signed a business alliance with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, to conduct joint research on the recovery and utilization of hydrogen released during rocket development. This initiative aims to utilize unused hydrogen for applications such as hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility, contributing to solving local community issues and realizing a decarbonized society.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 00:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 01:06 (36 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 08:46 (511h 39m after Collected)
## Joint Research Overview
Robodex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Daisuke Kaiou) signed a business alliance on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, for joint research on the recovery and utilization of hydrogen released during rocket development.
Currently, large quantities of liquid hydrogen are used as fuel for rocket launches, but a considerable amount of hydrogen is released into the atmosphere during launch safety measures and various processes.
In this joint research, the three parties will explore ways to recover this unused hydrogen and utilize it for applications such as hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility.
Through the construction of a new business model for a hydrogen society that utilizes hydrogen generated from space development to solve local community issues, we aim for a new form of co-creation where the space industry and local communities work hand in hand.
For rocket launches, liquid hydrogen is used as a propellant and also in various tests. Liquid hydrogen is also used at JAXA's Noshiro Rocket Testing Center. When liquid hydrogen is stored, it vaporizes, generating BOG (Boil-Off Gas). This BOG is currently released into the atmosphere, and JAXA has been considering its utilization for some time.
Noshiro City is also promoting the "Hydrogen Lab Concept." This initiative aims to establish a system for recovering and reusing BOG generated from liquefied hydrogen storage tanks and supplying it to companies and research institutions, as well as developing a base for hydrogen-related research, development, and demonstration. By promoting the entry of hydrogen-related ventures, technology development, and human resource training, the city aims to realize a decarbonized society and revitalize the local economy.
Against this background, this joint research was initiated to explore the possibility of effectively utilizing unused hydrogen generated from space development as a regional energy resource by the three parties. We will proceed with the research in stages, from verifying the feasibility of recovery to exploring specific utilization methods, including hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility, and further, to finding ways to give back to the local community.
First, a demonstration flight will be conducted using the recovered hydrogen to fly between research facilities located in the north and south, for patrol and monitoring purposes within the facilities.
## BOG Hydrogen Utilization Model
The hydrogen circulation model envisioned by this joint research is an unprecedented attempt to convert hydrogen, a byproduct of space development, into an energy resource for local communities. Our company is already developing hydrogen drones such as "Aigis One," small hydrogen mobility, and hydrogen fuel cell generators, and is building a multi-use platform by standardizing hydrogen tanks.
When hydrogen recovered from the rocket launch site is supplied to these hydrogen utilization platforms, the following contributions to the community are expected:
**Disaster Prevention**: Material transport by hydrogen drones during disasters, securing emergency power with hydrogen generators.
**Logistics**: Delivery support to mountainous and depopulated areas by hydrogen drones.
**Mobility Support**: Securing transportation for the elderly and those who have returned their driver's licenses with hydrogen mobility.
**Regional Economy**: Creation of new employment and industrial promotion related to hydrogen energy.
Hydrogen born from the space frontier becomes energy that protects local lives and contributes to the community.
Robodex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Daisuke Kaiou) signed a business alliance on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, for joint research on the recovery and utilization of hydrogen released during rocket development.
Currently, large quantities of liquid hydrogen are used as fuel for rocket launches, but a considerable amount of hydrogen is released into the atmosphere during launch safety measures and various processes.
In this joint research, the three parties will explore ways to recover this unused hydrogen and utilize it for applications such as hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility.
Through the construction of a new business model for a hydrogen society that utilizes hydrogen generated from space development to solve local community issues, we aim for a new form of co-creation where the space industry and local communities work hand in hand.
For rocket launches, liquid hydrogen is used as a propellant and also in various tests. Liquid hydrogen is also used at JAXA's Noshiro Rocket Testing Center. When liquid hydrogen is stored, it vaporizes, generating BOG (Boil-Off Gas). This BOG is currently released into the atmosphere, and JAXA has been considering its utilization for some time.
Noshiro City is also promoting the "Hydrogen Lab Concept." This initiative aims to establish a system for recovering and reusing BOG generated from liquefied hydrogen storage tanks and supplying it to companies and research institutions, as well as developing a base for hydrogen-related research, development, and demonstration. By promoting the entry of hydrogen-related ventures, technology development, and human resource training, the city aims to realize a decarbonized society and revitalize the local economy.
Against this background, this joint research was initiated to explore the possibility of effectively utilizing unused hydrogen generated from space development as a regional energy resource by the three parties. We will proceed with the research in stages, from verifying the feasibility of recovery to exploring specific utilization methods, including hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility, and further, to finding ways to give back to the local community.
First, a demonstration flight will be conducted using the recovered hydrogen to fly between research facilities located in the north and south, for patrol and monitoring purposes within the facilities.
## BOG Hydrogen Utilization Model
The hydrogen circulation model envisioned by this joint research is an unprecedented attempt to convert hydrogen, a byproduct of space development, into an energy resource for local communities. Our company is already developing hydrogen drones such as "Aigis One," small hydrogen mobility, and hydrogen fuel cell generators, and is building a multi-use platform by standardizing hydrogen tanks.
When hydrogen recovered from the rocket launch site is supplied to these hydrogen utilization platforms, the following contributions to the community are expected:
**Disaster Prevention**: Material transport by hydrogen drones during disasters, securing emergency power with hydrogen generators.
**Logistics**: Delivery support to mountainous and depopulated areas by hydrogen drones.
**Mobility Support**: Securing transportation for the elderly and those who have returned their driver's licenses with hydrogen mobility.
**Regional Economy**: Creation of new employment and industrial promotion related to hydrogen energy.
Hydrogen born from the space frontier becomes energy that protects local lives and contributes to the community.