- A Japanese aerospace startup Interstellar Technology Inc. has successfully launched a small rocket on May 3, 2019, making it the country’s first privately developed model to reach outer space.
- Interstellar Technology Inc. said the unmanned Momo-3 launched from its test site in Hokkaido and reached about 110 kilometers (68 miles) in altitude before falling into the Pacific Ocean after 10 minutes of flight time.
- “It was a complete success. We’ll work to achieve stable launches and mass-produce (rockets) in quick cycles,” said company founder Takafumi Horie.
- Measuring 10 meters in length and 50 centimeters in diameter and weighing 1 ton, it was first due to be launched April 29, but that launch was shelved due to a glitch in the fuel system.
- It was the venture company’s third launch attempt after previous tries failed in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, the operator lost contact with Momo-1 shortly after launch. In 2018, Momo-2 only made it some 20 meters off the ground before crashing and bursting into flames due to a problem with a control system.
- Founded in 2013 by Horie, former Livedoor Co. president, Interstellar Technology aims to develop low-cost commercial rockets to carry satellites to space. (Japan Times)
