Japan's reusable rocket startup ISC eyes US test launch in December
By Kantaro Komiya
YOKOHAMA (Reuters) -A Tokyo-based rocket startup said on Wednesday it will test-launch a prototype in the United States in December using an American engine, aiming to achieve the first U.S.-Japan joint commercial launch and address Japan's rocket shortage.
The global race for commercial launch vehicles has been driven by SpaceX, which on Tuesday conducted a ninth test for its fully-reusable Starship. U.S. rivals including Blue Origin and companies in China and Europe also have reusable launcher plans.
But Japan lacks cost-competitive launchers at home, which the government sees as a bottleneck in its efforts to double the domestic space industry's size to 8 trillion yen ($55.4 billion by the early 2030s.
Innovative Space Carrier (ISC) said its ASCA 1.0 reusable launcher will conduct a 100-metre (109-yard) flight and landing test in Spaceport America in New Mexico, using a Hadley rocket engine from U.S.-manufacturer Ursa Major.
Starting at a low altitude, ISC will repeat "ninja training-like" tests towards the goal of building an orbital launch vehicle by 2028 to cater to emerging Japanese satellite makers, ISC chief executive Kojiro Hatada told a press conference.
"Japan's space industry needs its own space transportation services...but there's no need to do everything ourselves to achieve it," he said at partner JFE Engineering's factory near Tokyo.
Founded in 2022 by former government official Hatada, ISC has signed partnerships including with the British 3D printer firm WAAM3D to fast-track the launcher development.
ISC has secured Japanese government's rocket development subsidies along with Space One and Toyota-backed Interstellar Technologies. It aims to lower the per-launch cost of a rocket capable of lifting a 100kg (220.46 lb) satellite to space to 500 million yen in the long run, Hatada said.
Ursa Major's Hadley engine has been used by U.S. company Stratolaunch for hypersonic vehicle tests and been granted a U.S. export control permit so that it can be equipped on an ISC rocket.
With ISC, "we look forward to continuing the partnership to further safe, cost-effective access to space," Ursa Major Chief Growth Officer Ben Nicholson said in an emailed statement.
($1 = 144.3400 yen)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
44 minutes ago
- Business Insider
Hims & Hers to cut 68 employees, or 4% of workforce, Reuters reports
Hims & Hers will cut 68 employees, or about 4% of its workforce, as it adjusts to the U.S. ban on manufacturing mass copies of Wegovy, Amina Niasse of Reuters reports. These changes are focused on sharpening how we execute, without affecting our priorities or the specialties we're committed to,' a company spokesperson said regarding the layoffs, according to Reuters. Confident Investing Starts Here:
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Vossloh (ETR:VOS) Shareholders Will Want The ROCE Trajectory To Continue
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. So when we looked at Vossloh (ETR:VOS) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Vossloh is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.087 = €86m ÷ (€1.5b - €521m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025). So, Vossloh has an ROCE of 8.7%. Even though it's in line with the industry average of 8.7%, it's still a low return by itself. See our latest analysis for Vossloh In the above chart we have measured Vossloh's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Vossloh . We're delighted to see that Vossloh is reaping rewards from its investments and has now broken into profitability. While the business was unprofitable in the past, it's now turned things around and is earning 8.7% on its capital. While returns have increased, the amount of capital employed by Vossloh has remained flat over the period. So while we're happy that the business is more efficient, just keep in mind that could mean that going forward the business is lacking areas to invest internally for growth. After all, a company can only become a long term multi-bagger if it continually reinvests in itself at high rates of return. In summary, we're delighted to see that Vossloh has been able to increase efficiencies and earn higher rates of return on the same amount of capital. Since the stock has returned a staggering 119% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Vossloh can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. Before jumping to any conclusions though, we need to know what value we're getting for the current share price. That's where you can check out our that compares the share price and estimated value. If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Journals
2 hours ago
- Business Journals
First Bank's back-to-basics approach: How knowledgeable relationship managers turn challenges into opportunities
At First Bank, we're proud of our multi-generational, family-owned and St. Louis-based heritage. As a one-stop financial resource and strategic partner for businesses across various backgrounds and industries, we proudly help clients turn challenges into opportunities. In times of uncertainty, our counterparts will often focus on expense management, capital allocation, consolidation of business lines and management roles. The focus becomes on 'growth' markets, advisory fees and creation of industry-specialty groups with too few relationship managers covering vast geographic territories. Our team of experienced commercial lenders features expertise across various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, health care and wholesale sectors. With a commitment to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within each vertical, our team strives to provide strategic, comprehensive services designed to foster growth and success. Offering a comprehensive, back-to-basics approach Bucking national trends, First Bank's go-to market strategy hasn't changed in 115 years. It's evolved, but at the end of the day, it's the same as it's always been. We offer 'back-to-basics banking,' build long-term relationships and help clients navigate uncertain times. With First Bank, you can expect to receive personalized, local service from a single point of contact from start to finish. With this comprehensive approach, we also have intelligence regarding our clients' vendors and customers. expand Possessing experience in unique, complex situations Complexity of the current economic environment is not unlike other challenges that we've faced and navigated throughout our history. As a stable, family-owned business, we have the experience to help you manage through it all. During times of uncertainty, it's wise to not put your entire banking relationship with only one provider. From our holistic advisory services to First Bank's Commercial Lending and Banking, we can expand your financial advisory team while not disrupting your main banking relationship. Together, we'll work to help you achieve your short and long-term goals. Below are some industry-specific scenarios, illustrating how we've supported clients in addressing their unique needs: 1. Distributor scenario During a national health and economic crisis, a First Bank client needed to make larger purchases from a primary vendor to maintain inventory allotment and improve margin opportunity. We understood this business needed to have temporary debt capital in order to move forward. First Bank stepped up to support this distributor with what they needed. After the crisis, the client normalized to a new, larger level of business maintaining enhanced margins. 2. Manufacturer scenario A First Bank client manufactures and supplies to an industry with few customers, multiple needs and evolving demands. First Bank understands the struggles of high fixed asset investment, changing volume and rising costs. There will always be the need to adjust mid-year when the forecast starts to deviate with the annual budget. 3. Family business scenario When a family business needs to work through the individual needs of each family member, a strategic partner can be an asset. When a First Bank client was expanding their manufacturing capacity, the owners needed to determine the future direction. First Bank stood by and continued to offer support as family owners determined their next steps. We continued to support family members and the business simultaneously. Serving clients across industries to achieve goals First Bank's relationship managers are industry agnostic and have a broad line of sight into multiple industries without having to go out of market to get industry expertise. Our experts are relationship-focused, know your business and support you through the ups and downs. By combining deep industry knowledge with a comprehensive suite of banking services, First Bank empowers our clients to navigate their unique challenges, pivot to overcome obstacles and achieve their business goals. Visit for more information on First Bank's Commercial Banking team and services. Member FDIC Possessing over 30 years of commercial and corporate banking experience, Skornia grew up working in a family-owned business. His expertise encompasses manufacturing, distribution, oil/chemical, commercial construction, technology and health care. He is a current member of Lutheran Senior Services Finance Committee and former board member of the Association of General Contractors. Skornia has a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA from the University of Central Missouri. Contact him at or 314-277-4543.
