Interstellar Technologies - Zero

Interstellar is a small, veteran-owned business focused on providing innovations in design and manufacturing for propulsion and space systems.

• A disruptor-in-chief is driving Japan's space dream, 2018-02-16.
• Initially, Interstellar engineers were designing an orbital rocket to loft 100 kilograms to low Earth orbit starting in 2020. After surveying the market and finding little demand for vehicles of that size, Interstellar began planning for a larger rocket. Zero, a vehicle designed to send nearly one metric ton to low-Earth orbit, SpaceNews, 2023-08-09.
• This Space.com article also states 1000 kg: Zero will be 82 feet (25 meters) long with a 5.6-foot (1.7 m) diameter, slightly larger than Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle. It will be able to lift around 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) to low Earth orbit and will launch from Japan's Hokkaido Spaceport, 2023-08-16.
• Hwever, as of late September, Zero is capable of 800 kg to LEO and 250 kg to SSO.
• Joint research with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (hereinafter referred to as “NICT”) in October 2023. This research initiative will explore communication systems utilizing formation flying of femto- satellites, 2023-10-02.
• JAXA selects Interstellar Technologies as priority launch provider, SpaceNews, 2024-03-28. Japan is targeting a domestic launch capacity of approximately 30 institutional rockets and private rockets per year by the early 2030s.
• Zero Payload User's Guide, 2024 July.
• Interstellar and Toyota forge strategic partnership, 2025-01-06.
• Interstellar Technologies Secures Additional ¥ 1.4 Billion From Japanese Government, 2025-02-21.
• Interstellar Technologies Partners with JAXA to Expand Space Transport Services, 2025-04-01.