Japanese space tech startup Letara expands beyond satellite thrusters with $16M
Japanese space startup Letara has raised $16 million to expand its hybrid propulsion technology beyond small satellites into larger rocket systems for space and defense markets. The company aims to commercialize its proprietary fuel technology, which uses inexpensive materials like plastic and rubber.
Why it matters
This funding reflects Japan's strategic push to build a competitive, homegrown aerospace and defense sector with global commercial reach.
Japan is pouring billions of dollars into its burgeoning space industry and easing restrictions on defense exports, efforts designed to build a homegrown aerospace sector filled with domestic startups that have a global reach.
Letara , a Sapporo-based startup developing hybrid propulsion systems for spacecraft, is looking to capitalize on that push. After focusing on hybrid thrusters for small satellites, the company now plans to develop large rocket systems for the space, defense, and security markets, company’s co-CEO Shota Hirai told TechCrunch.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in