Drastic Reduction in Space Transport Costs: Ground Demonstration of Reusable Rocket Tanks Without Thermal Protection Systems Begins

A research group led by Professor Hiroshi Ogasawara, head of the Space Transportation Unit at the Tokyo University of Science's Faculty of Science and Technology, has been selected for the 'SX-ARK' (Motion and Control domain) program under JAXA's Space Strategy Fund. Realizing a fully reusable space transport vehicle, the ultimate goal of space transportation, requires significant weight reduction. Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), such as heat-resistant materials used to protect rockets from aerodynamic heating during atmospheric reentry, accounted for approximately 18% of the Space Shuttle's total weight, representing a burden that does not contribute directly to flight performance. This research aims to realize a 'reusable rocket tank that does not require TPS' by developing and verifying thermal management technologies. Specifically, the goal is to clarify the conditions under which a tank without TPS can function and to identify the systemic advantages and economic benefits compared to conventional types. Following this selection, the Tokyo University of Science will collaborate with Innovative Space Carrier Inc. to begin ground demonstration research using scale models.