From Space to the Region: Towards Building a Utilization Model for BOG Hydrogen, JAXA and Akita Prefecture's Noshiro City Sign Business Partnership Agreement

Robodex Inc. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, President & CEO: Daisuke Kai) announced today that it has signed a business partnership agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, on March 24, 2026 (Tuesday), for joint research on the recovery and utilization of hydrogen released during rocket development.

A large amount of liquid hydrogen is used as fuel for rocket launches. Currently, a considerable amount of hydrogen is released into the atmosphere during safety measures and various processes at the time of launch. In this joint research, the three parties will explore pathways 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 sites to solve regional challenges, we aim for a new form of co-creation where the space industry and local communities work hand in hand.

Joint Research Overview Liquid hydrogen is used as a propellant in rocket launches and is also used in various tests. Liquid hydrogen is also used at the JAXA Noshiro Rocket Testing Center. When liquid hydrogen is stored, it vaporizes, generating BOG (Boil-Off Gas). Currently, this BOG is released into the atmosphere, and JAXA has been considering its utilization.

Meanwhile, Noshiro City is promoting the "Hydrogen Lab Concept." This initiative focuses on establishing 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, technological development, and human resource training, the city aims to achieve a decarbonized society and revitalize the regional economy.

Against this backdrop, this joint research has been initiated to explore the possibility of effectively utilizing the unused hydrogen generated at space development sites as a regional energy resource among the three parties. The research will proceed in stages, from verifying the feasibility of recovery to exploring specific applications such as hydrogen drones and small hydrogen mobility, and ultimately to pathways for contributing back to the local community. Initially, a demonstration flight will be conducted using the recovered hydrogen to fly between a research facility located to the north and a research facility located to the 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. By supplying hydrogen recovered from rocket launch sites to these hydrogen utilization platforms, the following regional contributions are anticipated:

Disaster Prevention Field: Transportation of supplies during disasters by hydrogen drones, securing emergency power sources by hydrogen generators. Logistics Field: Support for delivery to mountainous and depopulated areas by hydrogen drones. Mobility Support: Securing means of transportation for the elderly and those who have returned their driver's licenses through hydrogen mobility. Regional Economy: Creation of new employment and promotion of industry related to hydrogen energy.

Hydrogen born from space development will circulate as energy to protect local lives. This joint research is the first step towards that goal.

About the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) A national research and development agency that consistently conducts research and development from basic research to development and utilization in the aerospace field. It leads Japan's space development in a wide range of fields, including space transportation, human space activities, satellite utilization, and space science/exploration.

【Overview】 Name: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Headquarters Location: 7-44-1 Jindaiji Higashicho, Chofu, Tokyo President: Hiroshi Yamakawa Established: October 1, 2003 HP: https://www.jaxa.jp/

About Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture A nature-rich city facing the Sea of Japan, located in the northern part of Akita Prefecture. Known as the "City of Space" for hosting the JAXA Noshiro Rocket Testing Center, it attracts students and researchers from all over the country to the "Noshiro Space Event" held every August. It is also famous for its timber industry and basketball, and in recent years, it has been actively promoting the introduction of renewable energy.

【Overview】 Municipality Name: Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture Mayor: Shigenobu Saito HP: https://www.city.noshiro.lg.jp/

About Robodex Inc. Robodex Inc. (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, President & CEO: Daisuke Kai) is a pioneer in hydrogen drones, working on the development of drones capable of long-duration flight. With a commitment to "domestic production," the company guarantees high security and safety in any situation. Furthermore, by leveraging the technological expertise gained from hydrogen drones, the company is expanding its business domains to mobility, power generators, and hydrogen supply.

【Company Overview】 Company Name: Robodex Inc. Representative Director: Daisuke Kai Business Activities: Development of hydrogen drones, hydrogen supply, and small hydrogen mobility Established: June 20, 2019 HP: https://robodex.net/

【Location Overview】 Head Office Location: 273 Kamikawai-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Yokohama Lab: B1 Garden Heat Building Kamikawai, 2176 Kamikawai-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Fukushima Lab: Room 15, Research Building, Fukushima Robot Test Field, 152-55 Kayahama, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Test Flight Site: Samukawa, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Shibuya Satellite: Sakura Deeptech Shibuya, 12F, Central Building, 3-3 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo