Drastic Reduction in Space Transport Costs: Ground Demonstration of Reusable Rocket Tanks Without Thermal Protection Systems Begins

Key facts

  • Drastic Reduction in Space Transport Costs: Ground Demonstration of Reusable Rocket Tanks Without Thermal Protection Systems Begins
  • A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara at Tokyo University of Science has been selected for JAXA's 'SX-ARK' program to develop reusable rocket tanks that do not require thermal protection systems (TPS). By eliminating TPS, which accounts for about 18% of a rocket's weight, the project aims to reduce weight, costs, and maintenance burdens. In collaboration with Innovative Space Carrier Inc., the team will conduct ground demonstrations using scale models through March 2029 to realize fully reusable space transport vehicles.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 2, 2026

Direct answer

A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara at Tokyo University of Science has been selected for JAXA's 'SX-ARK' program to develop reusable rocket tanks that do not require thermal protection systems (TPS). By eliminating TPS, which accounts for about 18% of a rocket's weight, the project aims to reduce weight, costs, and maintenance burdens. In collaboration with Innovative Space Carrier Inc., the team will conduct ground demonstrations using scale models through March 2029 to realize fully reusable space transport vehicles.

Citation
Drastic Reduction in Space Transport Costs: Ground Demonstration of Reusable Rocket Tanks Without Thermal Protection Systems Begins (June 2, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 2, 2026
A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara at Tokyo University of Science has been selected for JAXA's 'SX-ARK' program to develop reusable rocket tanks that do not require thermal protection systems (TPS). By eliminating TPS, which accounts for about 18% of a rocket's weight, the project aims to reduce weight, costs, and maintenance burdens. In collaboration with Innovative Space Carrier Inc., the team will conduct ground demonstrations using scale models through March 2029 to realize fully reusable space transport vehicles.
techNQ 55/100出典：PR Times

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 11:00
  • 🔍 Collected: June 2, 2026 at 11:28 (28 min after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:02 (33 min after Collected)
A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara, head of the Space Transportation Unit at the Tokyo University of Science's Faculty of Science and Technology, has been selected for the 'SX-ARK' (Motion and Control domain) program under JAXA's Space Strategy Fund. Realizing a fully reusable space transport vehicle, the ultimate goal of space transportation, requires significant weight reduction. Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), such as heat-resistant materials used to protect rockets from aerodynamic heating during atmospheric reentry, accounted for approximately 18% of the Space Shuttle's total weight, representing a burden that does not contribute directly to flight performance. This research aims to realize a 'reusable rocket tank that does not require TPS' by developing and verifying thermal management technologies. Specifically, the goal is to clarify the conditions under which a tank without TPS can function and to identify the systemic advantages and economic benefits compared to conventional types. Following this selection, the Tokyo University of Science will collaborate with Innovative Space Carrier Inc. to begin ground demonstration research using scale models.

FAQ

Is this technology relevant to Taiwan's space industry?

As Taiwan focuses on satellite development, reducing launch costs is a critical trend to enhance the competitiveness of its satellite business.

What are the key facts in this article?

A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara at Tokyo University of Science has been selected for JAXA's 'SX-ARK' program to develop reusable rocket tanks that do not require thermal protection systems (TPS). By eliminating TPS, which accounts for about 18% of a rocket's weight, the project aims to reduce weight, costs, and maintenance burdens. In collaboration with Innovative Space Carrier Inc., the team will conduct ground demonstrations using scale models through March 2029 to realize fully reusable space transport vehicles.

What is the direct answer?

A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara at Tokyo University of Science has been selected for JAXA's 'SX-ARK' program to develop reusable rocket tanks that do not require thermal protection systems (TPS). By eliminating TPS, which accounts for about 18% of a rocket's weight, the project aims to reduce weight, costs, and maintenance burdens. In collaboration with Innovative Space Carrier Inc., the team will conduct ground demonstrations using scale models through March 2029 to realize fully reusable space transport vehicles.

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