How Space Walker Is Revolutionizing Spacecraft Technology

Space Walker, with its innovative approach to rocket design and launch systems, is carving a unique path in the evolving aerospace technology sector.

The startup is supported by the Tokyo University of Science (TUS). It aims to leverage its distinctive capabilities to tackle the challenges faced in satellite launches.

At an October 8 presentation, the Space Walker team outlined the company's vision and the obstacles it aims to overcome. They also discussed their plans to transform the satellite launch market through small reusable rockets.

Redefining Space Travel

The company is a pioneering startup dedicated to making space travel as routine as boarding a plane. With a mission to bring space closer to everyone, it is developing reusable rockets designed to enable affordable, frequent access to space. 

Founded in 2017 and rooted in research from the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Space Walker has secured significant funding and industry partnerships, including direct investment from JAXA. Its evolving structure and diverse talent pool reflect its commitment to leading Japan into the next era of space exploration.

Traditionally, rocket manufacturers managed everything from production to satellite launches in a vertically integrated manner. "However, with reusable rockets, we envision a model similar to airlines," CEO Akihide Manabe notes. "Rockets will be leased as financial assets, similar to how Boeing and Airbus provide planes to airlines like JAL and ANA."

The ultimate goal for Space Walker is to provide rockets as they would other mobility systems, with an initial focus on unmanned launches for small satellites. "We anticipate a future where rockets enable rapid long-distance travel," Manabe shared, envisioning 40-minute trips from Tokyo to New York.

Managing Competition

Some may point out that leasing rockets to other companies increases competition. Indeed, Japan's current capacity is limited to about 100 launches per year due to location constraints. However, Manabe reassures, "Global demand for small satellite launches is significant." Most of this demand comes from low Earth orbit satellites that typically need replacing after around five years. "With about 10% of satellites malfunctioning, this creates significant charter demand for our small rockets," he notes.

Space Walker anticipates capturing about 10% of the annual demand for satellite launches. Ten percent equates to roughly 1,000 requests. "However, we can only launch around 100 times a year. This leaves 90% of the market for other companies," he explains. "By covering the unmet demand and leasing rockets, we can participate in the rocket launch market without launching all satellites ourselves."

Innovative Technologies

Space Walker is rooted in TUS-developed technologies, featuring lightweight carbon fiber composites for liquid oxygen and a unique combustion-resistant material. "This enables us to create the world's lightest fuel tanks," Manabe points out.

"Directional guidance control is crucial for reusable rockets," he explains. Traditional systems follow predetermined paths and risk mid-air explosions if deviations occur. 

However, Space Walker has developed a reusable control system designed for safety. Considering its plans to transport people in the future, this is a particularly critical achievement. "Our system functions like Google Maps, recalculating routes if a wrong turn is made. Similarly, if a flight error occurs, we can adjust the rocket's destination to ensure a safe return."

Rocket Development Challenges

"First, the lack of lightweight technology hampers development," states Space Walker co-founder Akihide Manabe. "Approximately 90% of rockets rely on heavy metal tanks for deep-pressure systems. This creates a cycle where additional fuel is needed to lift the weight of the tanks, leading to larger rockets."

Manabe also addresses the second challenge: "Developments in rocket technology have primarily focused on cylindrical, disposable designs." Manabe points to established companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin as examples. "Their rockets employ reverse thrust for landing, which increases fuel consumption."

While larger reusable rockets are currently available, small rocket systems lack this capability. "Our advantage lies in our experience in developing lightweight composite materials," Manabe emphasizes. The company utilizes a winged system that allows for fuel-efficient gliding during descent, potentializing round-trip flights with minimal fuel consumption. It resembles a scaled-down version of NASA's space shuttle.  

Enhancing Rocket Efficiency

In discussing the upper stage of their rocket, Manabe compares it to typical skyrockets. "While we considered building it ourselves, we've opted to collaborate with existing manufacturers. During test launches in Japan under the Cabinet Office's SBIR [Small Business Innovation Research] program, we will purchase the upper stage and demonstrate the system's viability."

"We've partnered with manufacturers who currently launch rockets at around ￥1.1 billion JPY [$6.6 million USD]," he adds. "However, their systems are disposable. By introducing reusability, we can significantly lower costs, potentially reducing the first stage's manufacturing cost by at least half."

Sustainability in Space Travel

Sustainability emerges as a core theme in Space Walker's vision. "Eco-friendly rockets are essential because disposable rockets are costly and harmful to the environment," Manabe stresses. "We aim for sustainable space transportation using rare liquefied biomethane as propellant."

Partnering with Air Water, they convert methane gas from cows in Hokkaido into rocket fuel, ensuring their rockets are eco-friendly.

The rocket specifications include a total length of 17.5 meters, a wingspan of 12.9 meters, and an initial launch mass of 54 tons. Additionally, it will accommodate two crew members and six passengers. "The design is in the refinement phase, featuring our in-house developed liquefied methane engine, which has undergone extensive development."

Financial Projections and Future Goals

The current demand for launches is focused on costs under ￥500 million ($3.3 million). Typical orders range from ￥300 million ($2 million) to ￥400 million. "If we conduct our launches at ￥500 million each, we will generate about ￥50 billion [$334 million] annually," Manabe elaborates. "However, leasing 900 rocket bodies at ￥200 million ($1.3 million) each could yield around ￥200 billion in revenue."

Looking ahead, the future business plan includes providing satellite launch services and establishing a rocket leasing model. "By 2040, we aim to evolve into a large-scale operation generating over ￥250 billion [$1.6 billion], alongside selling composite tanks and other projects," he states.

Space Walker's total accumulated funding since the company's founding in 2017 is just under ￥1.8 billion ($12 million). Although the Ministry of Education excluded the company from its current support program, leaving a funding gap, Space Walker's financial plans remain ambitious. Manabe reveals the company's target to go public by 2028, expressing hopes for increased overseas investment.

Global Space Leadership

Furthermore, Manabe reveals, "We plan to build rocket technology through joint research with JAXA and Tokyo University of Science by 2026." Together, they aim to conduct space environment experiments with their Fujin and Raijin rockets by 2028, paving the way for their first satellite launch. By 2030, they plan to modify their rockets for space tourism, launching the Nagatomo rocket and starting commercial space transportation.

In his closing remarks, Manabe voices his concerns about Japan's diminishing position in the global space arena. "It's quite alarming that Japan, which has been active for many years, is losing its standing in the world," he states. "I firmly believe we can set our sights on becoming global leaders and adapt our business strategies to realize this vision." 

Emphasizing the importance of a collective purpose, he notes, "This is not just about us, the members of Space Walker. It's about the consistency that must connect with the next generations. There's no doubt that the young minds of today will become the bearers of the industry."

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Author: Daniel Manning