Takasago Electric's compact solenoid valves have been selected for use in the engine of ZERO, a small satellite launch vehicle being developed by Interstellar Technologies Inc. (IST), a leading Japanese private space company based in Taiki, Hokkaido.

This collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening Japan's domestic supply chain and advancing the country's growing space industry.

IST is developing ZERO to provide competitive satellite launch services to customers worldwide. As part of this effort, the company is working to source more critical rocket components from Japanese manufacturers.

Solenoid valves have traditionally been sourced from overseas suppliers. By working with domestic manufacturers, IST aims to improve communication, receive faster feedback on product quality, and ensure a reliable long-term supply of essential components.

Challenge and Solution

Rocket engines operate under demanding conditions that standard, off-the-shelf valves are not always designed to handle. IST needed a Japanese manufacturer capable of developing customized valves that meet its specific performance requirements, with both design and manufacturing carried out in Japan.

With decades of experience in precision fluid control, particularly in medical devices and other specialized applications, Takasago Electric has developed strong expertise in compact valve technology and custom engineering.

Our ability to adapt products to highly specific customer needs, combined with our flexible approach to development, led IST to select Takasago Electric as a supplier of solenoid valves for ZERO.

For this project, we developed compact solenoid valves specifically for IST, including three-way valves and two-way latching valves.

COSMOS, the rocket engine developed by IST for ZERO

These valves perform essential functions within the rocket engine, including controlling the main valves and purging the engine's internal systems.

Our valves have already performed their intended functions during engine combustion tests conducted by IST. Based on feedback from the testing team, we are continuing to refine the designs and improve their performance.

Takasago Electric will continue working closely with IST to support Japan's space development. By applying our expertise in compact, precision fluid control to rocket technology, we aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the continued growth of Japan's space industry.