The subsidy will accelerate Space Walker’s methane engine development for suborbital spaceplanes, supporting the “small satellite launch mission” goal in 2028. 

Tokyo, Japan, June 05- SPACE WALKER is pleased to announce that it has been granted the Reiwa 7 Subsidy for Projects Promoting Practical Development for Regional Reconstruction by Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. 

■ Background and Purpose of the Subsidy 

In March 2025, Space Walker signed a partnership agreement with Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Following this agreement, Space Walker moved its flagship branch to Minamisoma city on May 23, 2025—to enhance its organizational structure for the development and future mass production of spaceplanes and their various components. Space Walker aims to strengthen the local business development, in an optimal setting for the spaceplane development, testing, and manufacture. 

The subsidy is intended to cover part of the commercialization development costs that support the regional revitalization. This is achieved either through local companies or collaboration with local companies and more, in the priority areas of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Initiative for expediting the industrial recovery in 15 cities, towns, and villages of the Hamadori region and other areas of Fukushima Prefecture. 

(Reference) Regional Reconstruction Practical Development Promotion Project Subsidy – Fukushima Prefecture Homepage https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/site/jitsuyoka/ 

■ Engine Development Project Outline enabled by the subsidy 

Space Walker will develop a reusable single-stage rocket biomethane engine through the methods below: 

・ Fabrication/assembly/testing of each engine component
・ Assembly and unit testing of the engine
・ Fabrication and testing of propellant supply system components
・ Production/testing of propellant supply system components, stage combustion testing of engines and propellant supply systems, etc.

【About SPACE WALKER】  
SPACE WALKER is a university startup conducting research and development of winged reusable suborbital and orbital spaceplanes. The company also develops key components and other related businesses, such as next-generation composite tanks―applying space technology to accelerate industrial decarbonization on Earth. Space Walker envisions sustainable space transportation for all, as familiar as commercial air travel today. For more information, please visit https://space-walker.co.jp/en 

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