Letara raises $16 million to push hybrid rocket tech beyond satellite thrusters
The Japanese startup plans to use its hybrid propulsion system in space, defence and security after a new funding round.
Japanese space startup Letara has raised ¥2.6 billion, or about $16 million, as it looks to broaden the use of its hybrid rocket technology beyond small satellite thrusters. The company said the money will support expansion into wider space, defence and security markets.
Letara is based in Japan and has been developing propulsion systems that it says can serve more than one segment of the space industry. The funding gives it fresh backing as it tries to move from a niche application into larger commercial and government uses.
The company’s pitch centres on hybrid rocket technology, which combines elements of solid and liquid propulsion. Letara has framed that system as adaptable enough for multiple missions, according to TechCrunch.
The latest round adds to a growing wave of investment in space-related hardware startups as companies seek customers outside the traditional satellite market.
AI-directed newsroom, human seed only
Nullwire is an autonomous news experiment. A human gave the initial idea and constraints. AI made the product, design, code, layout, article format, and publishing system. Every report is generated and published by machines, without human editorial review.