Promoting Earth Reentry Demonstration of Deployable Aeroshell Technology and Its Application to Mars Landers©️JAXAThe New Space Technology Research Association (NeSTRA), in which ElevationSpace is a technology partner, has been awarded a contract under the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Space Strategic Fund.This project aims to develop and validate next-generation atmospheric entry systems using domestically produced technology. This innovative deployable aeroshell technology is expected to significantly reduce the cost and enhance the reliability of reentry from space, while also contributing to Japan’s future Mars exploration missions. Led by NeSTRA, the project will be conducted jointly by The Fujikura Parachute Co., Ltd. and ElevationSpace Inc., both participating as official members of the consortium.Project DetailsThe “Mars Touch Project” sets its sights on the practical application of deployable aeroshell technology, a promising next-generation atmospheric entry system. The project encompasses two key objectives: the demonstration of Earth reentry from low Earth orbit (LEO) and the development of a Micro Mars lander system.Atmospheric Re-entry Demonstration from Low Earth Orbit: The project plans to conduct an atmospheric reentry experiment using a deployable aeroshell with a diameter exceeding 3.0 meters. Targeting the latter half of the 2020s, this test will validate the aeroshell’s structural load-bearing and thermal protection performance. Through this demonstration, the team aims to establish core technologies for safe and reliable return and recovery from space.Development of a Micro Mars Lander System:Leveraging the deployable aeroshell technology, the team will develop a lightweight, Micro Mars lander system (~20 kg class). The initiative includes the development of ultra-lightweight and low-power onboard instruments, construction of a ground-based testing environment simulating the Martian atmosphere, and various verification trials. Ultimately, the goal is to realize a cost-effective landing system for Mars surface exploration.BackgroundThe deployable aeroshell technology being developed through this project originates from research initiated at the University of Tokyo in the early 2000s. Since then, it has matured through a series of flight demonstration experiments using high-altitude balloons and sounding rockets. As a pioneering technology developed domestically in Japan, it offers significant advantages over conventional atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems.Compared to traditional EDL methods, deployable aeroshells can mitigate aerodynamic heating during atmospheric entry, while maintaining a compact, lightweight form factor. These characteristics contribute to cost reduction, enhanced reliability, and make the technology especially attractive for small spacecraft and interplanetary missions.With the Artemis program paving the way for deeper space exploration, Mars exploration is expected to become a central focus of global space development in the 2030s and beyond. Achieving a successful Mars landing mission using Japan’s own technologies would represent a significant milestone in demonstrating the nation's presence and leadership in the international space arena.The deployable aeroshell technology being developed through this project offers key advantages over conventional landing systems, including reduced weight, lower costs, and improved safety. As such, it is expected to play a critical role in future Mars exploration missions, supporting Japan’s contribution to the next era of space exploration.Furthermore, the demand for re-entry from low Earth orbit (LEO), the Moon, and other celestial bodies into Earth's atmosphere is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. By leveraging this technology to gain a competitive edge in the key area of atmospheric re-entry—both domestically and internationally—Japan is well-positioned to expand its role in the global space industry and drive new business opportunities across the space sector.This selection for JAXA’s Space Strategic Fund demonstrates the strong technical expertise and research and development capabilities of NeSTRA, as well as its member organizations, Fujikura Parachute Co., Ltd. and ElevationSpace Inc. The advancement of atmospheric re-entry technologies marks a significant step forward in unlocking new possibilities for the development and utilization of space.Development StructureThis project is being conducted through a collaborative framework centered on NeSTRA, which brings together expertise from industry and academia. Manufacturing technology for the aeroshell is led by Fujikura Parachute, while recovery technology is handled by ElevationSpace. By leveraging the strengths of each organization, the consortium aims to achieve efficient and effective development.NeSTRA: Overall project management, system design, Mars landing technology development, and space transportation.Fujikura Parachute: Manufacturing technology for the deployable aeroshell, development of thermal protection and insulation materials.ElevationSpace: Development of recovery technology, coordination and operation of offshore recovery.CommentsRyohei Kobayashi, CEO of ElevationSpace:“We are truly honored to participate in this project. We firmly believe that this initiative will accelerate our business further and represent a crucial step toward realizing our vision of building an in-orbit transportation network to connects cargo, crew, and all orbital operations. Leveraging the re-entry and recovery technologies we have developed, ElevationSpace is committed to contributing to the advancement of Japan’s Mars landing and atmospheric re-entry capabilities.”About ElevationSpace:ElevationSpace is a space startup with the vision of "Building an in-orbit transportation network to connect cargo, crew, and all orbital operations." In collaboration with Tohoku University and JAXA, ElevationSpace is leveraging Japan's world-class re-entry technology to develop a space transportation service that facilitates the return of goods from space to Earth. The company is focused on creating small spacecraft capable of transporting items that have been experimented on, developed, and manufactured in the microgravity environment back to Earth. More information: https://elevation-space.com/enThe International Space Station (ISS), which has been used for a wide range of purposes from basic scientific experiments to industrial applications, has been scheduled to cease operation at the end of 2030 due to structural lifespan and other factors, and securing a continuous "place" for utilizing the space environment has become an issue.With an eye on the "post-ISS era," ElevationSpace aims to provide a space utilization and recovery platform called "ELS-R." "ELS-R" is the first service of its kind in Japan to use an uncrewed small satellite to conduct experiments and demonstrations that take advantage of the zero-gravity environment, and then return it to Earth and to customers.Concept movie showing the image of the "ELS-R" service%3Ciframe%20width%3D%22560%22%20height%3D%22315%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F_2m_GXSDvdI%3Fsi%3DM4QTurNJnKT3xCQo%22%20title%3D%22YouTube%20video%20player%22%20frameborder%3D%220%22%20allow%3D%22accelerometer%3B%20autoplay%3B%20clipboard-write%3B%20encrypted-media%3B%20gyroscope%3B%20picture-in-picture%3B%20web-share%22%20referrerpolicy%3D%22strict-origin-when-cross-origin%22%20allowfullscreen%3D%22%22%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3E