AstroX
AstroX is a Japanese private space company developing the Rockoon balloon-launched rocket system to provide low-cost, responsive payload transportation services for satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersMinami-soma, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What AstroX does
AstroX is a Japanese private space transportation company founded in May 2022 and headquartered in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. The company is developing the "Rockoon" launch system, a hybrid architecture that lifts a rocket to the stratosphere (~20 km altitude) via a high-altitude helium balloon and ignites it mid-air, reducing fuel consumption and ground infrastructure requirements relative to conventional vertical launches. The technology stack integrates proprietary CMG (Control Momentum Gyro) attitude control for maintaining launch orientation under wind disturbances, a 1kN-class hybrid rocket engine using solid fuel and liquid oxidizer, containerized balloon deployment equipment, and the SETS stratospheric environment test facility at the Minamisoma MSL factory. Rocket products span the Kogitsune sub-scale demonstrator, FOX1 (10 km class, validated November 2024), and FOX2 (sub-orbital, ~5 m, 12 kN thrust, targeting end of FY2026 space access).
The business model is direct B2B sales of payload transportation services (one-time contracts) to satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies, with a sales-led motion targeting enterprise customers in Japan. The company has signed a payload transportation contract with Kochi University of Technology for multi-altitude scientific observation using FOX2 and is pursuing co-creation partnerships with large enterprises (KDDI, JR East, Nippon Yusen, Obayashi Corporation) for stratospheric platform applications. Revenue is not yet recognized; commercialization depends on the FY2026 sub-orbital demonstration. Capital sources include a Seed round (¥50M, December 2022), Pre-Series A (¥400M, September 2024), and a total Series A of ¥2.32 billion closed in two tranches (November 2025 and February 2026), bringing cumulative funding to approximately ¥2.77 billion. Government and institutional relationships include JAXA Partner Startup designation and active J-SPARC co-creation, engagement with the Cabinet Office Space Development Strategy Promotion Bureau on Space Activities Act amendments, and a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Minamisoma City under the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework.
AstroX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AstroX
- Legal name
- AstroX株式会社 (AstroX, Inc.)
- Website
- https://astrox.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- AstroX is a Japanese private space company developing the Rockoon balloon-launched rocket system to provide low-cost, responsive payload transportation services for satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AstroX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Launch Services
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI)
Keywords
Where AstroX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minami-soma
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices8 records
Markets served
AstroX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Satellite Launch Services (Payload Transportation): AstroX plans to generate revenue by transporting satellite payloads to orbit or sub-orbital altitude using its Rockoon system. The company has signed payload transportation contracts with Kochi University of Technology, and is targeting satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies as customers. Revenue is expected to begin upon successful sub-orbital demonstration flights targeting 2026.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
AstroX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AstroX is a Japanese private space transportation company that plans to generate revenue by transporting satellite and scientific payloads to sub-orbital or orbital altitudes using its proprietary "Rockoon" system, which lifts a hybrid rocket to the stratosphere (~20 km altitude) via a high-altitude helium balloon before launching the rocket mid-air. The company develops the FOX2 sub-orbital rocket, the Kogitsune small hybrid rocket, a CMG-based attitude control system, and supporting ground/test infrastructure, and sells launch services under payload transportation contracts to satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies in Japan and internationally.
Product overview
AstroX develops a portfolio of space transportation products centered on the Rockoon (balloon-rocket) system, a unique air-launch technology that carries rockets to the stratosphere via high-altitude balloons before launch. The core product lineup includes the FOX sub-orbital rockets (FOX1 and FOX2), the Kogitsune small hybrid rocket, and the CMG (Control Momentum Gyro) attitude control system. Supporting infrastructure includes SETS (Stratospheric Environment Test System) for technology verification and container-type balloon deployment equipment for launch operations. The company aims for world's first private Rockoon-based space access by end of 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Rockoon Payload Transportation Service Satellite and scientific payload transportation service that lifts payloads to sub-orbital or orbital altitude using AstroX's proprietary Rockoon (balloon-launched hybrid rocket) system. Designed for small-to-medium satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies; targets cost approximately one-third of traditional ground-based small-satellite launches by reducing fuel consumption and eliminating fixed launch infrastructure.
- FOX2 Sub-Orbital Rocket Sub-orbital rocket approximately 5 m in length with maximum thrust of 12 kN, equipped with a stratospheric ignition system and low-melting-point thermoplastic (LT) fuel. Designed to reach altitudes above 100 km (Karman line) via the Rockoon method.
- FOX1 Rocket 10 km-altitude-class hybrid rocket developed in collaboration with Chiba Institute of Technology; full length 6.5 m; predecessor to FOX2 representing intermediate scale toward practical rocket development.
- Kogitsune Small Hybrid Rocket Ultra-small hybrid rocket (~1.8 m length, ~300 N thrust class) used as a technology demonstration platform for CMG attitude control verification and other Rockoon component tests.
- CMG Attitude Control System Proprietary Control Momentum Gyro-based attitude control device that maintains rocket orientation and azimuth under wind disturbances during balloon-tethered suspended launch operations; actively controls launch attitude even under external disturbances and is being co-developed with JAXA under the J-SPARC framework.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cost reduction through Rockoon launch: estimated 1/3 the cost of traditional ground-based small satellite launches (based on reduced fuel consumption and simplified infrastructure)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use AstroX
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AstroX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
AstroX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- JAXA (宇宙航空研究開発機構)coreUnder the JAXA Space Innovation Partnership (J-SPARC) framework, AstroX and JAXA are conducting business co-creation demonstration activities for 'pendulum-type attitude control devices for balloon platforms.' The companies aim to flight-verify technology using JAXA's balloon system, with applications for Rockoon launches, stratospheric platforms, and construction cranes. AstroX also holds JAXA Partner Startup designation (November 2025).
- Kochi University of Technology / Kochi Institute of Technology (高知工科大学)coreSigned a dual payload transportation contract for simultaneous observation across three altitude zones (space, stratosphere, ground) using the sub-orbital FOX2 rocket. Kochi University's infrasound sensors will be installed on both the rocket and attitude control device for atmospheric science research, targeting applications from volcanic eruption monitoring to Mars atmosphere observation.
- Japan Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (日本シイエムケイ株式会社)minorPlatinum sponsor of the sub-orbital mission and the 'AstroX Rockoon Challenge' sponsorship program. As the first sponsor, Japan Chemical Industry supports the development of Japan's domestic space transportation infrastructure through the Rockoon method.
- East Japan Railway Company (東日本旅客鉄道株式会社)minorJR East's Space Unit visited AstroX's Minamisoma MSL factory (April 2026) and headquarters (April 2026, including Vice President Ikeda) to explore future collaboration between railway and space transportation infrastructure. Discussions focused on how space transportation could extend JR East's broader infrastructure vision.
- Komiya Yoshinori (小宮義則)minorFormer Director-General of the Cabinet Office's Space Development Strategy Promotion Bureau joined AstroX as 'Executive Advisor for Government Affairs' (政府対応執行アドバイザー). Brings extensive policy experience to strengthen government relations and public-private partnership coordination for Japanese space transportation infrastructure.
- KDDI Corporation (KDDI株式会社)coreAstroX participates in KDDI's 'MUGENLABO UNIVERSE' space co-creation program, providing payload transportation for demonstration, observation, and PR purposes. KDDI supports AstroX in connecting with its enterprise ecosystem for potential applications of stratospheric and space-based services.
- Nippon Yusen Group (日本郵船グループ)minorNippon Yusen (NYK Line), NYK Logistics, and MTI visited AstroX's Minamisoma MSL factory in February 2026 to explore potential logistics and shipping applications for Rockoon technology. Discussions focused on co-creation opportunities and future collaboration in space logistics infrastructure.
- Tohoku University (東北大学)minorAstroX hosted a field work session for Tohoku University's all-faculty course 'Fukushima's Recovery and Regeneration,' accepting students across engineering, law, literature, economics, and medicine to learn about space development and regional revitalization.
- ArkEdge Space Inc. & Solafune Inc.minorAstroX co-hosted a 3-company joint 'Sushi Night' recruitment event with ArkEdge Space and Solafune at X-NIHONBASHI TOWER. The three space startups (rocket launch, satellite manufacturing, data analysis) jointly promoted careers in the Japanese space industry.
- Kanto Gakuin University (関東学院大学)minorAstroX CEO served as a lecturer at Kanto Gakuin University's 'Regional Revitalization Special Topics (Fukushima)' course, sharing knowledge about space industry development from Fukushima and engaging with future talent.
- Cabinet Office Space Development Strategy Promotion Bureau (内閣府宇宙開発戦略推進事務局)minorThe Cabinet Office Space Development Strategy Promotion Bureau conducted a factory inspection in May 2026, engaging in frank policy discussions regarding the Space Activities Act amendments and the regulatory environment for Rockoon technology. Director Aikawa Yuta led the inspection team.
- Chiba Institute of Technology (千葉工業大学)coreCo-development partner for hybrid rocket engine technology. CTO和田豊 is a professor at Chiba Institute of Technology's Space Transportation Engineering Laboratory. The university provided the rocket experiment facility in Choshi City for combustion and launch experiments. CTO Wada achieved Japan's first university-led small rocket ocean launch in 2018 at this facility.
- Obayashi Corporation (株式会社大林組)coreAstroX and Obayashi Corporation entered a joint research agreement (effective May 2023) for the development of air-launch attitude control devices for rockets. The partnership combines Obayashi's construction and structural engineering expertise with AstroX's Rockoon technology. Joint research on 'pendulum-type attitude control devices' is ongoing as part of the JAXA J-SPARC co-creation activity.
- Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture (福島県南相馬市)coreAstroX signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Minamisoma City (April 2023) for promoting satellite launch rocket development. The city provides experimental sites, factory facilities, and connections to local businesses and educational institutions. The city also established a 'Space Office' (宇宙室) to support aerospace industry development.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
AstroX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Interstellar Technologies: Japanese private small-satellite launch startup developing the ZERO rocket for sub-orbital and orbital launch. Most direct domestic competitor to AstroX given geography, customer segment, and vehicle class.
- Space One: Tokyo-based private launch startup developing the Kairos small satellite launch vehicle. Competes for the same Japanese small-launch payloads and government partnerships.
- Rocket Lab: US/NZ-listed small-launch operator with the Electron rocket and a broad launch services business. Closest global peer for small-satellite dedicated launch services targeting responsive, low-cost orbital deployment.
- Astra: US small-launch startup that worked to develop responsive small satellite launch vehicles. Closest comparable in profile and stage to AstroX within the global small-launch category.
Emerging players
- Galactic Energy: Chinese private launch company operating the Ceres-1 small solid rocket and developing the larger Pallas-1. Comparable emerging small-satellite launch provider in the broader APAC market.
- iSpace (Interstellar Space) / iSPACE Inc. (China operations): Chinese small-launch startup developing Hyperbola series rockets. Comparable emerging private-sector player in APAC competing for small-satellite launch contracts.
- Skyroot Aerospace: Indian private space launch startup developing the Vikram series small launch vehicles. Similar trajectory as an emerging private-sector launch provider in Asia targeting commercial small-sat launches.
- CAS Space (China Academy of Sciences subsidiary): Chinese rocket and space tourism company developing the KZ-1A and Lijian-1 vehicles for small-sat launches. Comparable as an emerging APAC commercial launcher scaling beyond government-only ops.
Broad incumbents
- Relativity Space: US larger-incumbent small-to-medium launch company (Terran series). Broader scope and scale than AstroX but operates in the same overall launch services market.
Others
- ArkEdge Space: Japanese private space startup focused on small satellite manufacturing and operations. Not a launch competitor, but a fellow Japanese space-tech startup with overlapping Japanese ecosystem partnerships (joint Sushi Night events, JAXA adjacency).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AstroX social profiles
Digital presenceAstroX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AstroX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
AstroX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors22 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AstroX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AstroX
What does AstroX do?
AstroX is a Japanese private space transportation company that plans to generate revenue by transporting satellite and scientific payloads to sub-orbital or orbital altitudes using its proprietary "Rockoon" system, which lifts a hybrid rocket to the stratosphere (~20 km altitude) via a high-altitude helium balloon before launching the rocket mid-air. The company develops the FOX2 sub-orbital rocket, the Kogitsune small hybrid rocket, a CMG-based attitude control system, and supporting ground/test infrastructure, and sells launch services under payload transportation contracts to satellite operators, research institutions, and government agencies in Japan and internationally.
Is AstroX a public or private company?
AstroX is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was AstroX founded?
AstroX was founded in 2022. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is AstroX based?
AstroX is headquartered in Minami-soma, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does AstroX make money?
One revenue line is on record: satellite Launch Services (Payload Transportation).
Who are AstroX's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Interstellar Technologies, Space One, Rocket Lab and Astra. Emerging players are Galactic Energy, iSpace (Interstellar Space) / iSPACE Inc. (China operations), Skyroot Aerospace and CAS Space (China Academy of Sciences subsidiary). Relativity Space is listed as a broad incumbent. ArkEdge Space is listed as an others.
Does AstroX have an API?
No public API is recorded for AstroX.
What industry is AstroX in?
AstroX's product category is Space Launch Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAA, Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets, with a secondary code of IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.