Ebara Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Ebara") and Future Space Transportation Systems Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "ISC") have agreed to jointly develop rocket engines using electric pumps developed by Ebara, and signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
1. Background
Since the early 2000s, EBARA has been using its rotating machinery technology to help improve turbopumps for engines at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Using the knowledge we have accumulated so far, we are developing pumps for rocket engines to contribute to reducing the cost of transportation to space, with the mission of "making the connection between people and space commonplace."
2. Overview
Ebara is currently developing an electric pump for rocket engines that uses an electric motor as its drive mechanism. To improve the performance of a rocket engine, a turbopump is required to boost the pressure of the fuel and oxidizer, but powering this electrically improves maintainability and ease of use.
ISC has taken notice of Ebara's electric pump technology and the two companies have agreed to jointly develop a rocket engine that utilizes these pumps. In considering reusable rockets promoted by the ISC, important issues include the ease of thrust adjustment during landing and the ability to withstand repeated use. Electric pumps are expected to be one of the technologies that can address these issues. EBARA and ISC will work together to achieve this.
3. Future Outlook
Through collaboration between the two companies, ground combustion tests of the rocket engine will be conducted, with the aim of reaching a level where the technology can be demonstrated to launch a satellite into Earth orbit by March 2028. In addition, we will continue to expand our business by collaborating with a wide range of rocket and rocket engine manufacturers both in Japan and overseas. The EBARA Group aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further enhance its corporate value by addressing key ESG issues based on its long-term vision and medium-term management plan.