Japan, Germany and France will this fiscal year begin jointly developing a reusable rocket that can return to Earth after launch.
Reusable rockets are expected to reduce the cost of missions and provide a welcome boost to the space industry. The project also aims to utilize a Japan-Europe framework to reduce the gap between the United States, which is ahead in the practical application of such technology.
The reusable rockets will release satellites in space, return to Earth and touch down at a designated location on land or at sea. The rockets can be inspected, repaired and relaunched.
Missions costs will be lower, the more often the rockets are reused.
The number of communication and observation satellites used by private companies is increasing, as is the demand for rockets to launch such equipment.
The development of a rocket that can withstand multiple launches is expected to provide a reliable revenue source. Another benefit is that reusable rockets do not become space junk or debris like disposable rockets.
Research and development will be conducted jointly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the German Aerospace Center, and the French Space Agency.
The government aims to launch a small experimental vehicle at an altitude of about 40 kilometers in fiscal 2022. Japan is in charge of developing guidance control software, engines and fuel tanks.
The total cost of the project in Japan is estimated at 3.4 billion yen over three years. The government allocated 100 million yen for design-related expenses in this fiscal year's budget.
The core rockets used in Japan's space program are the H2A and Epsilon. The H3, Japan's next-generation rocket, is scheduled to be launched for the first time this fiscal year. All three are disposable rockets that cannot be reused once launched.
The development of a reusable rocket requires advanced technologies such as a stable fuel supply and guidance control systems to ensure it returns to Earth.
There are around 20 commercial space launches a year, with the United States leading the way.
American firm SpaceX has secured orders for its reusable rocket Falcon 9 due to its low launch costs. The company's market share in 2018 was about 60%.
The successful launch of NASA astronauts in a rocket owned by the private company SpaceX also relied on its reusable rocket technology.
The Japanese government believes that reusable rockets could become the mainstream in the space industry and hopes to develop more efficient technologies in partnership with Europe.
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