SPACE WALKER Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihide Manabe; hereinafter referred to as “SPACE WALKER”) has signed a partnership agreement with Minamisoma City, Fukushima (Mayor: Kazuo Monma). This agreement aims to promote the development of SPACE WALKER’s winged reusable rocket (spaceplane) and various components, as well as to build production framework for future mass production, contributing to the revitalization of the local industries and fostering local career development.

Minamisoma City has been actively developing an environment that supports research and development in robotics and advanced technologies while also focusing on nurturing new industries such as the space sector. Leveraging this well-established environment, SPACE WALKER will establish a major spaceplane development hub in the city and contribute to the formation of a new industrial base.

Additionally, SPACE WALKER plans to relocate its headquarters from Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, to Minamisoma City, Fukushima, by May 2025. This move will strengthen the collaboration with the local community, allowing development hand-in-hand with Minamisoma City and its residents to drive industrial growth and create social value as a company.

 

Overview of the Partnership Agreement

Under this agreement, SPACE WALKER and Minamisoma City will work together on the following initiatives:

1. Collaboration with local businesses in the development of spaceplanes and various components, as well as job creation
2. Support for various testing activities
3. Career path development in space and science-related fields through cooperation with local educational institutions
4. Enhancing mutual recognition and awareness
5. Other necessary collaborative efforts deemed beneficial by both parties

Specific Implementation Initiatives

●　To facilitate the development of spaceplanes and various components, as well as their potential mass production in the future, the city will support SPACE WALKER in building a supply chain by fostering collaboration with local businesses, while the company will contribute to job creation and further revitalize the local manufacturing industry.

●　In support of SPACE WALKER’s spaceplane and component development, the city will assist in selecting potential sites for various testing facilities and support public engagement efforts to raise awareness and understanding of the company’s business activities among residents.

●　SPACE WALKER will implement educational programs such as guest lectures and accept internships from local educational institutions, providing students with opportunities to learn about space and science technologies, thereby fostering the next generation of talent.

●　Both SPACE WALKER and Minamisoma City will actively promote the initiatives under this agreement to raise awareness both within and beyond the city.

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SPACE WALKER is a university startup conducting research and development of winged reusable suborbital and orbital spaceplanes. The company also develops and sells components such as composite tanks, utilizing space technology for both space and earth. SPACE WALKER envisions sustainable commercial space transportation for all, as familiar as commercial air travel today.

For inquiries contact:
Corporate Planning Office / Public Relations
pr@space-walker.co.jp