Photo: Interstellar Technologies

Japanese rocket launcher in development Interstellar Technologies raised 3.1 billion yen ($21 million) in a Series E funding round announced Aug. 5. 

New investors SBI GROUP and NTT DOCOMO invested in the round, alongside financing from Resona Bank. This brings Interstellar’s total funding to 17 billion yen ($120 million). The company said it plans to use the funding to accelerate its rocket and satellite operations.

Interstellar is working to build Japan’s first vertically integrated rocket and satellite business. It is building the Zero orbital class launch vehicle, Deca super-heavy lift vehicle, and Momo suborbital vehicle. The company is also pursuing a “Satellite Communications 3.0” project that aims to launch satellites to communicate directly with smartphones. 

Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) also participated in the round. Interstellar is working with NICT on a joint research project to explore communications systems using formation-flying satellites. 

“Space transportation is becoming increasingly important as infrastructure supporting the industrial foundation of the vast space market, with competition in the private market intensifying globally. However, domestic operators remain limited,” commented  SBI Investment Co. Deputy General Manager Hiroyuki Ono. “Interstellar Technologies has been recognized as a leading company in Japan with the potential to excel globally, prompting our investment.”