ZERO
A two-stage orbital rocket for small satellites, rated for up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit and fueled with liquefied biomethane from livestock manure. It has not flown yet.
Why it matters
Japan flew only 3 of the world's 316 orbital launches in 2025, and most Japanese satellites go up on foreign rockets. ZERO would give Japanese satellite makers a domestic small launcher and has the backing of a large private round and a government development program.
How the technology works
ZERO is a two-stage rocket that burns liquid biomethane, made from biogas from local livestock manure, with liquid oxygen. It will launch from Hokkaido Spaceport in Taiki, in Japan's northernmost prefecture.
The government SBIR program funds a flight demonstration as its final phase.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction