Japanese Spaceport Operator Partners With US Rocket Company for Feasibility Study
Space Cotan Signs Deal to Explore Alpha Rocket Launches from Hokkaido Facility
A Japanese spaceport operator has partnered with a US rocket company to study launching orbital missions from its facility, marking a potential expansion of commercial space operations in Asia. Space Cotan Co., Ltd., which operates Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Firefly Aerospace to evaluate launching Firefly's Alpha rocket from the Japanese facility.
"I'm very pleased we have signed an MOU to study the feasibility of launching Firefly's orbital rocket from HOSPO where we aim to launch a variety of rockets frequently."
Yoshinori Odagiri, Space Cotan
The partnership will involve Space Cotan defining launch site operations, evaluating system requirements, and assessing regulatory compliance for Alpha rocket launches from HOSPO. The Japanese company aims to support multiple launch providers and boost regional space industry growth.
"I'm very pleased we have signed an MOU to study the feasibility of launching Firefly's orbital rocket from HOSPO where we aim to launch a variety of rockets frequently," said Yoshinori Odagiri, president and CEO of Space Cotan. "By taking advantage of the ideal location of Taiki Town in Hokkaido, we will support various launch service providers and contribute to the revitalization of the space industry in the region."
HOSPO's location in Taiki, Japan, offers strategic advantages including expansive ocean areas to the east and south, plus large landmass areas that allow for future launch site expansion. The facility already operates a suborbital launch complex and is developing an orbital launch site.
Firefly Aerospace sees the partnership as part of its global expansion strategy to meet growing satellite market demand. "Firefly will continue to expand our responsive launch capabilities to meet the growing demand of the satellite market across the globe," said Adam Oakes, vice president of launch at Firefly Aerospace. "We look forward to exploring the opportunity to launch our Alpha rocket from Japan, which would allow us to serve the larger satellite industry in Asia and add resiliency for U.S. allies with a proven orbital launch vehicle."
The Alpha rocket can deliver more than 2,205 pounds to low Earth orbit and currently launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Firefly is expanding operations with planned launches from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and Esrange Space Center in Sweden.
Space Cotan was recently selected for Japan's Space Strategy Fund to research high-frequency launch operations at HOSPO. Taiki Town has attracted aerospace companies for four decades due to its favorable geographic position.
Our Take
This partnership represents a significant step in Asia's growing commercial space sector and could establish Japan as a key launch hub for the region's expanding satellite market. The collaboration would provide US companies with strategic launch capabilities in Asia while offering Japan expanded access to commercial space services.
Success could accelerate the development of commercial space infrastructure across the Pacific region and strengthen US-Japan space cooperation.