Rocket Report: SpaceX to make its own propellant; China’s largest launch pad

United Launch Alliance begins stacking its third Vulcan rocket for the second time.

Ars Technica
Japanese space startups continue to take on adventurous challenges amid intensifying international competition for technological development, with the private sector taking over the lead role in space development. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/26/japan/japan-startups-space-development/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #space #tech #startups #investments #ispace #astroscaleholdings #interstellartechnologies
Japanese startups driving space development

Not only large companies but also emerging businesses are hurrying to conduct lunar exploration and commercialize transportation services using rockets.

The Japan Times
Toyota is investing in a Japanese startup that aims to mass produce lightweight rockets and someday vie with big players for a slice of the growing commercial space industry. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/01/07/companies/toyota-japan-rocket-startup-investment/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #toyota #rockets #space #interstellartechnologies #akiotoyoda #spacex #jaxa
Toyota invests in Japanese rocket startup as SpaceX races ahead

The investment is the latest sign of progress in the Japanese government’s push to nurture the country’s private space sector.

The Japan Times
On the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the town of Taiki, population 5,300, is aiming to become one of Japan’s major domestic spaceports for launching satellite-equipped rockets and spacecraft. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/22/japan/science-health/hokkaido-spaceport/ #japan #sciencehealth #space #rockets #hokkaido #interstellartechnologies #taiki #jaxa
Small Hokkaido town looks to the stars for future growth

Taiki, population 5,300, is home to what is billed as Asia’s first privately operated spaceport — Hokkaido Spaceport.

The Japan Times