Cow-Dung Powers Japan's New Rocket Engine Prototype, Advances in Sustainable Space Tech

Japan has recently made a significant advancement in sustainable space technology. The Japanese space agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has collaborated with Interstellar Technologies, a space technology startup that has developed a prototype rocket engine powered by Liquid Biomethane (LBM) derived from cow dung. This initiative is part of the JAXA-SMASH program, which aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the space sector.

Interstellar Technologies has successfully conducted a "Static Fire Test" for its ZERO launch vehicle rocket at the Hokkaido Spaceport's Launch Complex-0 in Taiki, Hokkaido. The test showcased a powerful blue-and-orange flame generated by the engine for approximately 10 seconds, demonstrating the potential of cow dung-based fuel for space missions.

The company plans to launch its orbital ZERO rocket, which will be 32 meters long with a diameter of 2.3 meters, using this eco-friendly fuel by 2025. The goal is to deliver payloads up to 800 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) using liquid biomethane fuel and liquid oxygen.

This cow dung based green rocket fuel is the result of a collaboration with Air Water, a Japanese company which has set up a local system in the Hokkaido Tokachi area where they turn biogas from livestock waste into liquid biomethane. Farmers in the area help out by using special equipment to change cattle manure into biogas, which Air Water then processes into rocket fuel

This innovative approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also leverages local resources, potentially reducing costs and increasing Japan's autonomy in space technology.

Liquid Biomethane (LBM) fuel, derived from cow dung, offers several advantages for space missions, such as:

• Cost-Effectiveness: LBM is simpler and cheaper to produce compared to traditional rocket fuels.
• Reduced Residue: It leads to little to no coking and other forms of residue buildup, which can be a significant issue with other fuels.
• Environmental Friendliness: As a cleaner alternative, it has a smaller carbon footprint, making it more environmentally friendly. 
• Higher Specific Impulse: LBM provides a higher specific impulse than RP-1, which means it can be more efficient in terms of thrust per unit mass. 
• Extraterrestrial Production: It can potentially be produced on other celestial bodies, aiding in deep space exploration and reducing the need for fuel transport from Earth.
• Smaller Fuel Tanks: Compared to hydrogen, LBM requires smaller fuel tanks, which can reduce the overall size and weight of the spacecraft.
• No Additional Compounds Needed: LBM does not require additional compounds to keep fuel tanks pressurized, simplifying the design and operation of the fuel system.
• Higher Pressure Tolerance: It allows rocket engines to run at higher pressures, which can improve performance and efficiency.

These advantages make LBM a promising candidate for future space missions, particularly those focused on sustainability and long-term space exploration.

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