Nikon Selected to Implement the Space Strategy Fund at JAXA "Innovative Technology for Lightweight, High Performance, and Lower Cost Space Transportation Systems"
February 27, 2025
- Develop and demonstrate additive manufacturing for low cost, short lead time precision parts for space applications
- Nikon will utilize its state of the art technology and assets including for project
- Includes Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600, organic R&D and new facilities in Japan
Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has selected it as an implementing organization for the technology development theme "Innovative technology for lightweight, high-performance, and lower cost space transportation systems" in the Space Strategy Fund (SSF) open call for FY2024.
In this technology development, with each organization taking the lead in its technological field of expertise in research systems comprising Japanese companies and universities, the goal is to develop and demonstrate additive manufacturing technology for low-cost, short lead-time precision parts for space applications using Japan's first large-scale metal 3D additive manufacturing system platform and system that will capture the global market.
Digital manufacturing, including metal 3D additive manufacturing, is Nikon's strategic business. Nikon will utilize its applied optics technologies cultivated over many years to revolutionize the world of manufacturing and provide new value to society.
Selected project overview*
| Technology development theme | Development of equipment and base technology related to metal 3D additive manufacturing of precision parts that can be used for space applications |
|---|---|
| Purpose of technology development theme | Establish base technology to achieve innovation through wider application of carbon fiber reinforced plastics and to achieve enhanced quality and molding process innovation through wider application of metal 3D additive manufacturing technology for large-scale structures and parts for space transportation systems. |
| Goals of technology development theme | Establish metal 3D additive manufacturing technology for space parts that must be large and precise, such as rocket engines, and establish base technology to develop equipment that enables this manufacturing. |
| Name of technology development issue | Establish metal 3D additive manufacturing technology for large precision parts that can be installed in future rockets. |
| Overview of technology development issues | For details, see below (Japanese only). https://fund.jaxa.jp/content/uploads/kekka1_B-1.pdf  |
- *For details, see this page (Japanese only). https://fund.jaxa.jp/techlist/theme1/
Overview of Space Strategy Fund
Based on the SSF basic policy and implementation policy established by the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this fund enables startups and other private companies, as well as universities, to boldly develop technology over many years (maximum of 10) while referencing the technology items extracted from the space technology strategy, regarding the technology development themes set by each agency for the three goals of “expanding the market,” “solving social issues,” and “pioneering frontiers” in the three fields of “transport,” “satellites,” and “exploration.”
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.