Top 11 Space startups in Japan
Jan 24, 2026
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28
1
Funding: ¥36.7B
Interstellar Technologies is developing Zero - small satellite launch vehicle. It is a two-stage rocket designed to provide space transportation services exclusively for small satellites, capable of launching payloads of up to 1,000 kg into low-Earth orbit (LEO). It is expected to be the world's first privately developed rocket to use liquefied biomethane (LBM) as propellant. LBM is produced from biogas derived from local livestock manure and launch costs are expected to be under 800 million yen once mass production begins. The company is also developing the DECA heavy lift vehicle, tailored to meet the demands of the 2030s and its own satellites, and plans to provide high-speed, high-capacity broadband services capable of connecting directly to smartphones, vehicles, and other devices.
Interstellar Technologies is developing Zero - small satellite launch vehicle. It is a two-stage rocket designed to provide space transportation services exclusively for small satellites, capable of launching payloads of up to 1,000 kg into low-Earth orbit (LEO). It is expected to be the world's first privately developed rocket to use liquefied biomethane (LBM) as propellant. LBM is produced from biogas derived from local livestock manure and launch costs are expected to be under 800 million yen once mass production begins. The company is also developing the DECA heavy lift vehicle, tailored to meet the demands of the 2030s and its own satellites, and plans to provide high-speed, high-capacity broadband services capable of connecting directly to smartphones, vehicles, and other devices.
2
Funding: $396.8M
Astroscale is developing scalable solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, including life extension, in situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal, to create sustainable space systems
Astroscale is developing scalable solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, including life extension, in situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal, to create sustainable space systems
3
Funding: ¥28.9B
Synspective provides SAR data and remote monitoring services to government agencies.
Synspective provides SAR data and remote monitoring services to government agencies.
4
Funding: $174.8M
iSpace is a lunar mission and exploration company. Its goal is to expand human presence in space. According to the company, the moon's water resources represent untapped potential for developing a space economy: water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen to produce fuel, accelerating the pace of space exploration. Therefore, the company is mapping lunar water resources. The company's management predicts that by 2040, 1,000 people will live on the moon and iSpace will provide the infrastructure for lunar missions (lander, rovers, etc). iSpace's first lunar mission was launched in 2022 to demonstrate a soft landing on the moon. The second, in 2024, was intended to deliver a small rover. Both missions crashed on the moon but provided the company with valuable data and experience.
iSpace is a lunar mission and exploration company. Its goal is to expand human presence in space. According to the company, the moon's water resources represent untapped potential for developing a space economy: water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen to produce fuel, accelerating the pace of space exploration. Therefore, the company is mapping lunar water resources. The company's management predicts that by 2040, 1,000 people will live on the moon and iSpace will provide the infrastructure for lunar missions (lander, rovers, etc). iSpace's first lunar mission was launched in 2022 to demonstrate a soft landing on the moon. The second, in 2024, was intended to deliver a small rover. Both missions crashed on the moon but provided the company with valuable data and experience.
5
Funding: $129.1M
GITAI is a robotics startup that develops remote controlled robots to replace astronaut's operations in commercial space stations.
GITAI is a robotics startup that develops remote controlled robots to replace astronaut's operations in commercial space stations.
6
Funding: ¥13.9B
Axelspace is a commercial microsatellite developer and satellite imagery provider.
Axelspace is a commercial microsatellite developer and satellite imagery provider.
7
Funding: ¥5.6B
Pale Blue is an aerospace company that provides water propulsion systems for sustainable space development.
Pale Blue is an aerospace company that provides water propulsion systems for sustainable space development.
8
Funding: ¥3.2B
IQPS develops and operates a SAR satellite that strives to create real-time maps.
IQPS develops and operates a SAR satellite that strives to create real-time maps.
9
Funding: ¥1.9B
EX-Fusion develops the first commercial laser based nuclear fusion reactor for power generation.
EX-Fusion develops the first commercial laser based nuclear fusion reactor for power generation.
10
Funding: $10.9M
PD Aerospace is a spacecraft development company that develops fully reusable manned and unmanned spacecraft.
PD Aerospace is a spacecraft development company that develops fully reusable manned and unmanned spacecraft.
