Our official Payload User’s Guide for ZERO is now available on our website🚀Discover details on vehicle performance, payload accommodation, flight environments, available services, and payload processing.You can find the Payload User’s Guide here:
🚀News: Hajime Kumabe, CEO of Woven by Toyota, Joins Interstellar Technologies as a Board MemberWe are pleased to announce that Mr. Hajime Kumabe, CEO and Representative Director of Woven by Toyota Inc., has been appointed as an external (non-executive) director.
#InsideZERO 🚀 A Rapid Turbopump Development Process, Completed Entirely In-house—from Design to Assembly, Testing, and FacilitiesToday, we’re diving into the development journey of the turbopump—a critical component of a rocket engine.
Often referred to as the "heart" of the engine, the turbopump delivers fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber, making it one of the most essential and challenging parts of rocket engineering.
Interstellar has achieved a major milestone by successfully developing this component entirely in-house, completing the subscale model in 2024. We are now the first venture organization, apart from Japan’s government-operated rocket enterprises, to possess turbopump technology.
Located just 8km from its headquarters in Hokkaido, Our launch and testing site features new facilities dedicated to turbopump testing. This strategic proximity allowed the team to transition from subscale testing to flight development model testing in just two and a half months.
Interstellar’s unique strength lies in its end-to-end development approach. From design to assembly, testing, and even facilities, everything is handled in-house.
Daily collaboration between design teams and assembly/testing personnel ensures rapid feedback, resulting in designs that are optimized for both performance and practicality. This efficient and flexible development process is a key driver of ZERO's competitive edge.
Interstellar Technologies receives additional ¥ 1.4 billion (＄9.3 million*1) for the SBIR governmental program to boost space technologies in JapanTotal grant amount brought up to ¥ 8 billion (＄53.3 million)Hokkaido (Japan), February 21, 2025 – Interstellar Technologies Inc. (“Interstellar” or “the company” henceforth), a leading space infrastructure company, announced today the securement of ¥ 1.4 billion in additional funding under the Small Business Innovation Research (henceforth “SBIR”) program granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.The SBIR is a 3 phased governmental program aimed to promote the implementation of advanced technologies developed by startups in Japan. Interstellar was selected in September 2023 under the space section focused on the “Development and Demonstration of Private Launch Vehicles” were the company received up to ¥2 billion in funding for Phase 1. After passing the review for Phase 2 in September 2024, another maximum of ¥4.6 billion were awarded. The current additional funding was approved by a Review Committee of experts to accelerate the project and ensure the achievement of the program’s goals*2. Including the funds of the previous phases the total amount has reached a maximum of ¥ 8 billion.
#InsideZERO🚀The Story Behind ZERO’s NameWe wanted something memorable and cool-sounding, but also rich in meaning. As a vehicle designed to launch satellites into orbit, its name reflects the elliptical path satellites take around Earth—forming the shape of a zero (0).#rocket
Beyond that, ZERO represents a starting point. Since we’re building this rocket from the ground up, its name embodies the idea of beginning from scratch and pushing boundaries from step one. Stay tuned for more insights into the journey behind ZERO! 🚀
#InsideZERO🚀 A view inside the box that protects ZERO’s brain.This is ZERO’s Avionics Box, manufactured in-house by Interstellar to house the rocket’s the “brain” or the avionics that, powered by sophisticated software, guide the rocket throughout its flight.#avionics #rocket
Though it looks like just a metal box, it is engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of launch. A rocket’s intelligence is distributed across multiple components. In ZERO’s case, dozens of Avionics Boxes work together to ensure precise navigation and control.#space
🚀News: Interstellar Technologies Selected for JAXA's High Accuracy Satellite Formation Flight Technology ThemeThis program aims to enhance Japan’s international competitiveness by developing innovative formation flight technology of a large number of femto-satellites in space.
Interstellar becomes the preferred operator of a new rocket launch site in Taiki, HokkaidoJune 12, 2025 19:42An image of the rocket "ZERO" to be launched from LC1 (provided by Interstellar Technologies)Rocket developer Interstellar Technologies (IST, Taiki, Hokkaido) reached a basic agreement on the 12th with Taiki, Hokkaido, to give priority to the use of a new launch site at Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO, Taiki, Hokkaido), a commercial spaceport.The town is currently building a new launch site, "LC1," to launch artificial satellites, with completion expected in September 2026. The town has been soliciting launch operators for the new launch site since December 2024.IST, which has become the preferred operator, is developing the rocket "ZERO" to carry small artificial satellites, and aims to launch it on LC1. Construction of a plant to store liquefied biomethane, which will serve as fuel, will begin in July.
Horiemon recently responded to the Honda vtol test stating that they have no intention of building a reusable rocket, primarily due to them focusing on smaller payloads and hence, building smaller launch vehicles where reuse is not beneficial. does anyone have a good sense of where that crossover point is? zero is supposed to deliver 1000kg to LEO. electron only does 250kg to LEO and they are now pursuing reuse after Peter Beck changed his mind on the same question .
Interstellar gets $62 million additional funding and pushes Zero's inaugural launch from 2025 to 2027.https://spacenews.com/japans-interstellar-secures-62-million-in-series-f-funding/
Quote from: PM3 on 07/10/2025 09:07 amInterstellar gets $62 million additional funding and pushes Zero's inaugural launch from 2025 to 2027.https://spacenews.com/japans-interstellar-secures-62-million-in-series-f-funding/JFY2027 not CY2027
Minister Yoshitaka Ito, Minister of State for Regional Revitalization, visited Interstellar’s headquarters in Taiki, Hokkaido, as well as the Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO), where the launch of ZERO orbital vehicle is planned.
CEO Takahiro Inagawa led a tour of the main factory, showcasing ongoing work including the welding of propellant tanks for ZERO’s first flight unit.We are honored by the Minister’s visit and his recognition of our efforts to lead the way in Japan’s private space sector.🚀
Tokyo (Japan), August 4, 2025 – Interstellar Technologies (“Interstellar”), a leading space infrastructure company, has signed a three-party business alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation (“Toyota”) and Woven by Toyota (“WbyT”). The three parties will work together to establish a robust production system that enables frequent and cost optimized space transportation.Interstellar, a pioneer in private space transportation in Japan, was the first domestic private company to reach space with its suborbital vehicle, MOMO. The company is currently developing ZERO, an orbital vehicle designed to launch small satellites in response to the global shortage of launch capacity and in alignment with the Japanese government’s goal to enhance domestic launch capabilities .An alliance between Interstellar and the Toyota Group was initially announced in January 2025 when Interstellar and WbyT entered into a two-party strategic capital and business alliance. Now, building on that foundation, Interstellar, WbyT, and Toyota have signed a three-party business alliance agreement to advance vehicle development from one-off production to industrial-grade systems capable of supporting frequent launches.As part of the new agreement, Toyota will dispatch personnel starting in August 2025 to support Interstellar in a wide range of manufacturing efforts, from the development of ZERO’s first flight unit to broader business commercialization. Additionally, Interstellar became the first startup to join “Toyota Woven City” as an Inventor, leveraging Toyota’s decades of manufacturing expertise and strengths. The development of ZERO will continue to be based on Interstellar’s facilities.
Interstellar will collaborate with Toyota and its affiliate, Toyota Motor Hokkaido, a longstanding partner with expertise in the mass production of automotive transmissions. Together, they will manufacture engine key components, including the combustion chamber and turbopump, for ZERO’s first flight unit. Additionally the companies will co-develop new manufacturing processes to reduce costs and accelerate production timelines. This partnership aims to establish a stable, high-quality production system for future launches.
Tokyo (Japan), August 12, 2025 – Interstellar Technologies (“Interstellar”),a leading space infrastructure company, is proud to announce the 5 secured customers to fly aboard the first flight of orbital launch vehicle ZERO. This milestone mission will include CubeSats from four organizations, Ocullospace, Wolfpack, Osaka Metropolitan University and Tokyo City University, and a fifth participant, DALRO Aerospace, that will supply the separation system for the universities’ CubeSats. These 5 customers have already signed each a Launch Service Agreement with Interstellar. This launch highlights Interstellar’s growing global partnerships and commitment to expanding access to orbit.Interstellar, a pioneer in private space transportation in Japan, was the first domestic private company to reach space with its suborbital vehicle, MOMO. The company is currently developing ZERO, an orbital vehicle designed to launch small satellites in response to the global shortage of launch capacity and in alignment with the Japanese government’s goal to enhance domestic launch capabilities .Securing commercial and institutional payloads for an inaugural orbital launch is a rare achievement in the space industry, where first flights are typically reserved for internal testing. The presence of external customers on ZERO’s first mission showcases the forward-thinking mindset of the participating organizations, who are taking this opportunity to test and validate their own technologies in space. Their participation is a testament to the strength of the space industry and its shared drive to take on new challenges in expanding access to orbit.Their decision to join this flight reflects a deep spirit of collaboration. This mission represents a unique alliance of student-built CubeSats, pioneering startups, and visionary institutions, all united by a common goal: to reach space. About the customers onboard ZERO’s first flightOcullospace(ASEAN Region)Ocullospace is a newly established space exploration company aiming to launch and expand an IoT-focused satellite service across Asia, particularly for equatorial missions. Their 1U CubeSat proof-of-concept mission will demonstrate IoT connectivity and remote sensing applications in low Earth orbit (LEO), using protocols such as LoRa and NB-IoT. The mission focuses on cost-effective design using commercial off-the-shelf components and supports future IoT infrastructure across the region. Payload size: 1U (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) CubeSat, 1 kg mass Mission: Demonstrate IoT connectivity and remote sensing applications in low Earth orbit Location: 14 Robinson Road #08-01A Far East Finance Building, 048545 Singapore Representative: Dr. Franco Gan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer https://ocullospace.com/Wolfpack CubeSat Development Team (USA)A pioneering non-profit backed by the Aerospace and Innovation Academy, Wolfpack empowers students aged 11–18 to design, build, and launch CubeSats. As the first middle school group selected by NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, they have flown several missions and presented research internationally. Their participation in the ZERO launch reinforces their global engagement and dedication to advancing youth STEM education through real-world aerospace projects. Payload size: 1U (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) CubeSat, 1 kg mass Mission: Validate a wooden chassis CubeSat and detect high-energy particles Location: 1303 Vision Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA 33418 Representative: Kevin L. Simmons, Chief Executive Officer Wolfpacksat.orgDALRO Aerospace (South Korea)Founded in April 2023, DALRO is an innovative launch service provider offering customized separation solutions for CubeSats and small satellites. Supported by Korean government start-up programs, DALRO has developed proprietary satellite separation systems and is partnering with regional launch providers, including Interstellar, to promote broader access to space in the Asia-Pacific region. Payload: Separation system, 3 kg mass Mission: Demonstrate their CubeSat deployer Location: Unit 103, 15-14 Daehakro179bun-gil, Yuseong, Daejeon-si, 34138, Rep. of Korea Representative: Seunghyeon Do, Chief Executive Officer http://dalro.kr/Small Spacecraft Systems Research Center at Osaka Metropolitan University (Japan)The Small Spacecraft Systems Research Center (SSSRC) is a student-driven center where motivated learners from various departments work hands-on with small satellites and rockets. The center is currently conducting research and development on small spacecraft with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Space and Aerospace Architect Development Program. This initiative was selected for the FY2024 program under the theme “Space Architect Development Program Utilizing MBSE,” led by Keio University. Payload size: 2U (20cm x 10cm x 10cm) CubeSat, 4 kg mass Mission: Demonstrate shape measurement of an object using grid projection Location: 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Representative: Kogiso Nozomu, Aerospace and Marine-System Engineering Professor (Graduate School of Engineering) https://www.omu.ac.jp/eng/en/Tokyo City University (Japan)TCU-01 is a nanosatellite by Tokyo City University designed to bring space closer to local communities and children, including those not attending school, fostering engagement and self-esteem through hands-on involvement. It will be the first satellite to carry the BBC micro:bit educational microcomputer into space, inspiring children worldwide. The project is led by students and faculty of the university’s TAC (TCU Aerospace Community). Payload size: 1U (10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm) CubeSat , 2 kg mass Mission: Regional collaboration through the use of nanosatellites Location: 1-28-1 Tamazutsumi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan Representative: Prof. Seita Koike, Department of Social Media, Faculty of Media Studies https://grp.tcu.ac.jp/tac/
Over the past few years, our orbital launch vehicle ZERO has steadily advanced from concept to reality. To highlight its current capabilities, we’ve updated ZERO’s launch movie with a more realistic and detailed look, showcasing the journey from liftoff at Hokkaido Spaceport to satellite deployment.
Interstellar Technologies is proud to announce 3 new customers secured for the inaugural flight of its orbital launch vehicle ZERO, bringing the total number of customers to 8 (7 payloads and 1 separation system company).[...]The Tokyo University’s Center for Space Resources and Innovation (Japan)CSRI will conduct an initial in-orbit demonstration of space resource utilization technologies using Interstellar Technologies launch vehicle. Through this mission, CSRI aims to accumulate foundational technologies and knowledge leading to future full-scale lunar and asteroid resource utilization missions.Payload Size: 3U CubeSat, 5 kg massMission: Demonstrate and evaluate space resource utilization technologies exploring the feasibility of material use and energy circulationFulton Science Academy (USA)Their student-led satellite initiative unites primary and secondary school learners and mentors to design, build, and operate CubeSats, providing real-world experience in space science and engineering. KorucuSAT-2 is a next-generation 1U CubeSat mission that builds on prior success and broadens both educational and technical horizons. The satellite will test advanced battery technologies under real space conditions while offering global access to live telemetry and data. Payload Size: 1U CubeSat, 1 kg massMission: Test silicon anode batteries in low Earth orbitLothan Space (USA)Lothan Space is developing a constellation of AI powered satellites designed for autonomous, real-time data processing in orbit. Their long-term goal is to integrate advanced AI into all space applications, from LEO to deep space exploration. For this project, Lothan Space is donating a launch opportunity to the Fremont Student Makers.Payload Size: 1U CubeSat, 1 kg massMission: Provide Fremont Student Makers’ students with hands-on, end-to-end experience in satellite development and operations
Mayor Yutaka Kurokawa provided a guided tour of Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO), explaining the progress of Launch Complex 1 (LC1), the new rocket launch site scheduled for completion in September 2026.
Interstellar Technologies is pleased to announce the establishment of its Tohoku Branch in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, in December 2025. This new strategic site will reinforce the production framework for ZERO, Interstellar’s orbital launch vehicle currently under development for its inaugural mission. With this expansion, the Tohoku Branch becomes the company’s fourth manufacturing-capable site, joining the Taiki Headquarters, Tokyo Branch, and Obihiro Branch.[...]The facility consolidates and enhances Interstellar’s electrical and mechanical component manufacturing, launch site support systems development, and testing capabilities, and includes office space for up to 30 employees. Several team members, including new local hires, have already begun working at the site.The opening ceremony for the new branch was held on December 18, 2025, with attendees coming from the local government, financial institutions and other related partners. With the launch of the Tohoku Branch, Interstellar will further contribute to the advancement of the space industry in Fukushima through manufacturing excellence, while accelerating the development of a robust and cost-competitive launch service capable of high-frequency missions.Tohoku Branch OverviewLocation: 61-1 Kitahara, Iizaki, Odaka-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima 979-2162, JapanSite Area: 17,942 m2Building Footprint: 2,570 m2Total Floor Area: 2,503 m2Structure: Steel construction, single-storyConstruction Period: November 2024 – November 2025.
This is what’s happening right now inside ZERO’s Obihiro Branch.The 1st stage engine thrust structure has now been assembled, joining the aluminum components through on-site drilling and direct fastening to ensure both precision and structural strength.
Interstellar Technologies (“Interstellar”), a leading space infrastructure company, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a ground-based proof-of-principle experiment to construct a formation-flying unwired phased-array antenna using satellites as array elements. The experiment was conducted in collaboration with Shirane Laboratory (Institute of Science Tokyo), Honma–Murata Laboratory (Iwate University), and Microwave Factory Co., Ltd. This achievement supports the development of next-generation high-speed communications satellites capable of enabling direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity with smartphones, connected vehicles, other mobility systems, and IoT devices.The results of this work have been accepted for presentation at IEEE ISSCC 2026 (February 15–19, 2026; USA), widely recognized as the world’s premier conference in solid-state circuits and semiconductor technology.Interstellar is advancing formation flying technology, in which ultra-small satellites precisely coordinate their positions and attitudes, to enable high-speed, high-capacity broadband satellite communications with direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity to ground-based devices.Since 2024, the company has been conducting fundamental research commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) under the program “Research and Development for Expansion of Radio Spectrum Resources” (JPJ000254), in collaboration with Japanese universities.In formation flying, 10,000 to 100,000 ultra-miniature satellites can be precisely coordinated to operate as a single, large-scale high-gain array antenna. By combining signals from numerous small antenna elements, the array enables weak received signals to be coherently combined into a stronger signal, while transmitted signals are integrated to achieve higher effective radiated power.This Formation-Flying Unwired Phased-Array Antenna can be significantly larger and achieve much higher gain than conventional space antennas. Unlike traditional array antennas, whose elements are electrically interconnected through physical wiring, the satellites acting as antenna elements in a formation-flying system are physically separated. As a result, inter-element connections must be established wirelessly, requiring the development of new integration and synchronization methods to enable the entire formation to operate as a single, coherent antenna.It should be noted that this approach is different to the well-established Distributed Antenna System (DAS), primarily used to enhance indoor and outdoor coverage, improve communication quality, and distribute system capacity. The Formation-Flying Unwired Phased-Array Antenna differs fundamentally in both purpose and architecture. Interstellar approach achieves antenna gain through tight synchronization of antenna elements and coherent signal combining. Accordingly, this project develops a distinct architecture, referred to as an “unwired phased-array antenna.”In this proof-of-principle experiment, Interstellar investigated a novel scheme scalable to systems comprising 10,000 to 100,000 satellites for inter-satellite information exchange and timing alignment, and prototyped analog signal-processing ICs and antennas suitable for ultra-miniature satellites. Using an array of multiple simulated satellites, the company demonstrated cellular signal transmission and reception. While still small-scale, this demonstration using actual hardware, from transmission through reception, is a major milestone toward practical, large-scale implementation. Interstellar will continue improving performance, reliability, and scalability.
