Japanese launch company Interstellar Technologies

Japanese space firm Interstellar Technologies has secured nearly $130 million to advance its Zero small launch vehicle. This substantial investment, a Series F round blending debt and equity, effectively doubles the Hokkaido-based company's total capital.

Woven by Toyota led the equity investors, with other major groups like SBI also contributing. Debt financing formed part of the deal. CEO Takahiro Inagawa expressed appreciation for the support.

The funds are earmarked for developing Zero, a two-stage rocket using methane and liquid oxygen, designed to deliver up to 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Interstellar aims for Zero's inaugural flight in 2027 and has already lined up eight customers for that mission.

Though yet to achieve orbital flight, Interstellar previously operated the suborbital Momo rocket, which had several successful launches.

This financial boost arrives amid recent difficulties in Japan's broader space launch industry, including issues with major rockets like H3 and Epsilon S. Despite this, SBI Group lauded Interstellar as a prominent domestic player in space transport.

Beyond Zero's development, the new capital will also facilitate scaling up its production and advancing a novel satellite communication system.


Reference
by Jeff Foust, Japanese launch company Interstellar Technologies raises $130 million
1 spacenews.com  Available at: https://spacenews.com/japanese-launch-company-interstellar-technologies-raises-130-million/
(Assessed: 20th January 2026)