EBARA Corporation（hereinafter "EBARA"）has reached a Joint Research Agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (hereinafter "JAXA"）from December 26, 2025 for the Research, Evaluation and Development of an Electric Pump to be used in Orbital Transfer Vehicles (hereinafter "OTV"), which transfers multiple satellites to their respective destinations (orbits) in deep space, such as the Moon or Mars.
EBARA ＆ JAXA conduct Joint Research Evaluation Tests on Electric Pump for Deep Space Transport
-Expansion of EBARA’s Product Portfolio for the Space OTV Market-
1. Background and Objectives
For Deep Space journeys such as the Moon or Mars, travel takes many years to complete and requires much more capital and resources than travel near Earth.
To solve this issue, JAXA is looking to utilize OTVs to efficiently transport satellites, spacecraft and materials to their destinations. However, to achieve such goals, it requires "The creation of infrastructure for the reuse of future spacecraft". For this purpose, an electric pump, which features both a simple engine system and easy to control engine output, is currently being considered.
By utilizing its experience in developing Turbo Pumps for Rocket Engines and Pumps for Thrusters and implementing it into developing the optimum pump for OTVs, EBARA will be able to accelerate its development. Furthermore, EBARA aims to expand its Space Product Portfolio and establish a position within the ever-growing OTV Market.
2. Overview
For this joint research, water flow tests will be used to evaluate the key characteristics of the Small-Sized Electric Turbo Pumps which are expected to be used in OTVs.
| Research Topic | Key characteristic evaluation of small-sized electric turbo pumps utilized in Deep Space Transport |
| Date of Agreement | December 26, 2025 |
| Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
3. Future Developments
Through this Joint Research Agreement with JAXA, EBARA aims to establish its position as a technology provider for future OTV development and deepen its relationship with JAXA. Initially, EBARA will utilize the knowledge acquired through this technology evaluation to establish the technology, and strive to deploy technology for customers, including a wide range of OTV Manufacturers.
- About the EBARA Group -
The EBARA Group aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing material issues identified in its long-term vision and executing the medium-term management plan to increase corporate value.