Cow dung as rocket fuel! Japanese space start-up fires up engine using biomethane liquid

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh

Japanese Startup Advances Rocket Development with Cow-Dung Methane

Japanese space startup Interstellar Technologies Inc. recently conducted a combustion chamber static fire test at the Hokkaido Spaceport. The test, performed for the development of the Cosmos engine for the Zero rocket, lasted 10 seconds and showcased liquid biomethane as a sustainable rocket fuel.

Sustainable Fuel Source

The combustion chamber test not only marked engineering progress but also highlighted the use of liquid biomethane as a rocket fuel derived locally from livestock manure, specifically cow dung. Interstellar Technologies aims to leverage this eco-friendly fuel, alongside liquid oxygen as the oxidizer, for its upcoming Zero rocket.

Zero Rocket's Maiden  Flight in 2025

The Zero rocket, slated for its inaugural flight in 2025, is set to be an impressive 105 feet (32 meters) long with a 7.5-foot (2.3 m) diameter. Surpassing the dimensions of Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle, Zero has a payload capacity of around 1,760 pounds (800 kilograms) to low Earth orbit and will launch from the Hokkaido Spaceport.

Combustion Chamber Innovation

Interstellar's new combustion chamber features a pintle injector, similar to SpaceX's Merlin engines that power Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. The technology has been developed and refined in collaboration with Tokyo University and JAXA Space Innovation through Partnership and Co-creation (J-SPARC), the Japanese equivalent of NASA.

Interstellar's Space Exploration Achievements

Interstellar Technologies claims that it is the first commercial company in Asia to achieve space entry with a liquid propellant rocket, known as MOMO-F3 suborbital launcher.

China's Methane-Fueled Rockets

In comparison, China's commercial firms Landspace and Space Pioneer achieved orbital success with their respective methane-fuelled Zhuque-2 and kerosene-fuelled Tianlong-2 rockets this year.

Zhuque-2's Milestone

Zhuque-2 stands out as the first methane-powered rocket to reach orbit. However, it faces competition from larger rockets, including SpaceX's Starship and ULA's Vulcan, both set for potential launches in the coming month.

Methane-Powered  Rocket Competition

China's strides in methane-fuelled rockets are noteworthy, yet the global stage anticipates upcoming launches from industry giants like SpaceX and ULA, signalling a growing trend in utilizing methane as a rocket propellant.

Global Transition to Sustainable Propellants

The developments underscore a global transition towards sustainable rocket propellants, with a focus on environmentally friendly alternatives such as methane derived from unconventional sources like cow dung.

Eco-Friendly Rocketry Initiatives

The use of cow-dung methane in rocket propulsion aligns with ongoing efforts in the space industry to explore eco-friendly initiatives and reduce the environmental impact of space exploration.

Collaborative Rocket Technology Advancements

Collaborative efforts between Interstellar Technologies, Tokyo University, and JAXA exemplify the shared commitment to advancing rocket technology, promoting innovation, and contributing to the global space exploration landscape.

Prospects for Zero Rocket's Launch

As the Zero rocket progresses in its development, the industry awaits its maiden flight in 2025, marking a crucial step forward in the pursuit of sustainable and locally sourced rocket propellants.