Japanese space startup Interstellar Technologies Inc (IST) successfully conducted a prototype of a missile engine operating on liquid bio methane (lbm), obtained from cow manure. Tests were carried out at the Hokkaido cosmodrome as part of the Static Firing Test series Zero launch vehicles.
During the experiment, the engine generated a horizontal blue-orange flame for about 10 seconds. Biomethane was obtained from manure collected on local dairy farms, which emphasizes its potential advantages as environmentally friendly rocket fuel. Air Water Group has implemented a regional cyclic supply chain in the Tokachi area on Hokkaido, where biogas from animal manure is transformed into LBM.
In the framework of cooperation, local farmers use equipment on their farms to convert the cow manure into biogas, which Air Water then processes into rocket fuel.
In addition to liquid biomethane, the Zero missile uses liquid methane as fuel, which has a number of advantages, including low cost, high performance, accessibility, and low environmental effects. Liquid methane is a preferred choice for many space companies, including SpaceX.
The Zero rocket engine is equipped with a combustion chamber with a two-stage design and a Pintl type nozzle, which reduces the number of components and increases the effectiveness of combustion. This technology is also used in SpaceX engines.
Successful tests are an important step towards launching this launch vehicle for small satellites by 2025. IST plans to use fuel to launch satellites into low-earth orbit. Zero seeks to satisfy the growing world demand for launching small satellites, especially in the regions of Asia and Oceania.
The cost of launching the Zero missile is estimated at less than 800 million yen for launch (in mass production), thanks to the integrated process of development and production.
The use of cow manure can significantly contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality. Cows distinguish significant amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming. The joint efforts of IST and Air Water are aimed at ensuring that most of the rocket fuel is stable, thereby making a tangible contribution to the fight against climate change.