JAXA selects Japan LEO Shachu for orbital reboost technology

(SpaceEnergy) Japan's space agency has selected Japan LEO Shachu to develop propulsion technology for reboosting commercial space stations, according to Space Strategy Fund results published on 16 October.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) named Tokyo-based Japan LEO Shachu as the selected organisation for its Low Earth Orbit Hub Reboost Technology programme.

The project, led by Daisuke Tsujita, is titled Development of Coordinated Reboost Technology Based on Low Earth Orbit Hub Requirements.

The programme seeks high-thrust propulsion systems capable of maintaining space station altitude and performing collision-avoidance manoeuvres, working autonomously with a station's guidance, navigation and control systems.

JAXA's technical requirements envisage thruster firings lasting several minutes to change the orbit of a spacecraft weighing several hundred tonnes. The International Space Station, with a mass of approximately 420 tonnes, is cited as a reference.

The agency also identifies potential longer-term applications in deep-space spacecraft manoeuvring and controlled deorbiting of commercial space stations.

Japan LEO Shachu, established in 2024, is already developing a Japanese commercial space station module and the HTV-XC cargo resupply spacecraft under separate Space Strategy Fund programmes.

The latest selection concerns a distinct propulsion development project rather than those previously supported spacecraft systems.

JAXA has not disclosed the project's detailed technical approach, confirmed funding amount or demonstration schedule. It said the project description would be released following contract conclusion or formal grant approval.

The selection therefore represents a research and development programme milestone, not a completed propulsion system or demonstrated orbital reboost capability.