15 Nov, 2024

Sapporo, Hokkaido, November 15, 2024 – MJOLNIR SPACEWORKS Co., Ltd. (“MSW”), developing mass produce of safe and low-cost hybrid rocket engines, successfully completed the first 40kN Hybrid Engine hot-fire test (prototype) towards flight testing.

The MSW prototype engine(※1) has a simplicity in design with the aim of mass-producing and commercialization for rocket engines, and the success of hot-fire test made us to technically prove the engine performance with low-cost & shorter lead time.

Towards flight testing, MSW plans to perform a flight demonstration next year using its prototype engines to evaluate engine performance during launch, with the goal of commercializing the engine.

MSW is continuously advancing development with the aim of transforming the space industry through “mass production of rockets,” based on our hybrid rocket engines and space-grade weldless tanks which are currently on sale.

(※1): MSW engine uses a combustion method that combines solid plastic fuel and liquid oxidizer, which is low-risk of explosion with high reliability.

■Collaborating Organizations for this Test

The results of this test were made possible through “SBIR Promotion Program (※2)” a grant initiative by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

MSW conducted the test at the hot-fire test facility of Uematsu Electric Co., Ltd. (President: Tsutomu Uematsu, located in Kyowa Town, Akabira City, Hokkaido), with the support of the residents in Akabira City.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and cooperated with us!

(※2): The “SBIR Program” is part of the Small/Startup Business Innovation Research (SBIR) system (Japan’s version of the SBIR system), which is overseen by the Cabinet Office. The program aims to promote research and development by startups and other entities focused on solving diverse societal challenges and to ensure the smooth social implementation of their results. It is carried out through a cross-ministerial approach to address societal issues.

■ 40kN Hot-firing Test Video