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Safe, Fast, and Affordable Hybrid Propulsion for Small Satellites

【PROBLEMS in SPACE DEVELOPMENT & MISSION】

With the rapid development of private space companies, and the miniaturization of space satellites, ridesharing to space - i.e.  launching multiple satellites into the same orbit using a single rocket - has become the most common way to send satellites into space. Ridesharing has the advantages of increased launch opportunities and reduced launch costs, however, there are no safe and high thrust propulsion systems that rideshare satellite can use to travel the “last mile” to more desirable orbits. Most small satellites remain stuck in the rideshare orbit, and space developers are limited to a narrow range of orbits.
 The human economic sphere will be extended into Earth orbit along with the growing demand for small spacecraft. Space stations may be built on the Moon or Mars in the near future. When this happens, a new transportation in space will be needed is. Transportation from space hubs to local destinations, i.e., "last-mile transportation," will be critical to the future space economy. Unfortunately, existing space propulsion technologies can only utilize very dangerous propellants, or are time-consuming low-power propulsion systems. The key technology to achieve last-mile transportation in space is a propulsion system that is compact, safe, affordable, fast, storable, and controllable (throttling capable). We believe that Letara's technology will not only improve existing Earth orbital activities, but will also be a mainstay of future human economic activity extending into deep space.
 We believe that Letara's technology will not only improve existing Earth orbital activities, but will also be a mainstay of future human economic activity extending into deep space. With our high thrust, safe, and inexpensive propulsion system technology for small satellites, we will promote groundbreaking advances in space propulsion and contribute to the improvement of Earth orbital activities and future human economic activities that will reach deep space.

【HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM】

In 2017, the Hokkaido University Laboratory of Space Systems was selected to become a JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) Joint University Collaboration Center, or "University Space Hub," with the aim to accelerate research and development of hybrid propulsion to enable rideshare-based deep space exploration missions.
 Hybrid propulsion is the subcategory of chemical propulsion that utilizes the combustion of a solid (state) fuel, and liquid (or gaseous state) oxidizer for creating a propulsive force. Since solid fuels are inherently non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive, hybrid propulsion is the safest type of chemical propulsion.
 Letara is working on research and development of this hybrid propulsion technology for small spacecraft to provide safe and fast “last-mile delivery” in space, and to be the driving force of a logistics network covering the entire solar system.

【PROPULSION for SMALL SATELLITES "DARUMA"】

DARUMA is a lineup of propulsion units for small satellite and spacecraft, based on technology developed under joint research with Hokkaido University, and planned for space demonstrations 2024. The propulsion units are being developed to accommodate the needs of a wide range of satellite and spacecraft sizes, from satellites that fit in the palm of your hand, to spacecraft that are large enough to transport human passengers. The propulsion system, which incorporates innovative patented technology developed through years of research by Hokkaido University and Letara, will be provided as a package with fuel included. You can follow recent events related to research and development development on the R&D Column page and  Letara's SNS.

＜SPECIFICATION＞
Fuel：HDPE（High-density polyethylene）
Oxidizer：N2O（Nitrous Oxide）
Hardware：Combustors, Piping, Tanks, Simple CPU, Batteries
Option：Exterior wall panels, Attitude control devices

Video

Completely safe rocket propulsion technology [ Letara Inc. ] Hokkaido University Certified Startup（Japanese）
Last update：27/12/2022

This is an introduction video of Letara Ltd. by CEO Kemps and COO Hirai.

Other presentation

【2022】---------------------------------------------------
Awarded MAEDA CORPORATION Prise in IBARAKITECH PLANTER2022
Selected for UTokyo IPC’s support program "1st Round"
Selected for Japan Patent Office "Intellectual Property Acceleration Program (IPAS) 2022"
Selected for "R&D Startup Support Project／NEDO Entrepreneurs Program（NEP）B" 1st public offering in FY2022
Designated as “Hokkaido University Startup Company”
Selected for "Kawasaki NEDO Innovation Center (K-NIC) Startup Hands on Program FY2021 Phase 2
【2021】---------------------------------------------------
Awarded Asia Oceania Award in the Space Business Idea Contest "S-Booster 2021" sponsored by Japanese Cabinet Office
Awarded Pioneer Division Prize in "Innovators Under 35 Japan 2021" sponsored by MIT Technology Review
【2019】---------------------------------------------------
​Founders are Awarded Best Paper Award at the American Institute of Astronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

This company is recommended by the following support organizations.

Hokkaido Head Office, SMRJ

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