NYK has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for a Space Strategy Fund project focused on developing ground-based infrastructure technologies for the recovery of reusable spacecraft under the category of “ground systems for future transportation.”

On April 17, NYK held a kickoff meeting with JAXA and commenced research and development activities. In collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), primarily responsible for the research and development of rocket bodies, NYK will advance the research, development, and commercialization of an offshore recovery vessel for reusable rockets. This marks the first time a shipping company has been selected to participate in a JAXA Space Strategy Fund project.

In March 2023, NYK announced its medium-term management plan “Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026 — A Passion for Planetary Wellbeing,” which identifies the space-related business as one of NYK’s new business initiatives. In April 2023, NYK established an Advanced Tech and Space Business Development Team. Leveraging the technologies and expertise cultivated in our core shipping business, NYK is advancing business development in three areas: (1) space-related businesses utilizing offshore ships, such as rocket launches at sea and the recovery of reusable rockets, (2) the utilization of satellite data, and (3) the enhancement of the supply chain in the space industry, namely the optimization and enhancement of the entire supply chain from the procurement of rocket and satellite components to launch and satellite orbit insertion.

The project selected for JAXA's Space Strategy Fund falls in the category of “ground systems for future transportation.” NYK will develop the fundamental technology for an offshore recovery vessel capable of safely capturing, recovering, and transporting reusable rockets at sea, as well as conducting verification tests.

The specific initiatives of this project are as follows.

1. Development of an offshore recovery vessel capable of operating in open waters by combining the following technologies and requirements:

・Vehicle-capture technology: Quickly capturing reusable rockets using fixed-point positioning technology at sea

・Safety technology: Technology to secure captured reusable rockets and safely discharge residual propellant

・Landing-deck development: Deck structure and specifications capable of withstanding the jet blast and impact of reusable rockets during landing

・Remote-operation technology: From vehicle capture to safety measures, technology for remotely operating offshore recovery vessels

・Guideline development: Development of guidelines based on operational plans, maintenance plans, and equipment requirements for offshore recovery vessels

2. Construction of a prototype offshore recovery vessel and the subsequent sea trials

3. Obtaining Approval in Principle (AiP) for the conceptual design of the offshore recovery vessel

NYK will advance technological development in this business through collaboration with partners such as MHI and will work toward commercializing the recovery of reusable rockets at sea in cooperation with NYK Group companies such as MTI Co., Ltd. By combining the group's technical capabilities and expertise, NYK aims to promote space-related businesses and create unprecedented value for the space industry.