Recently, Japanese space startup Interstellar Technologies Inc. conducted a successful test of a prototype ZERO rocket engine running on liquid biomethane derived from livestock manure.
The rocket prototype underwent a “static fire test” at Hokkaido Spaceport’s Launch Complex-0 in Taiki, Hokkaido. During the test, the ZERO rocket engine produced a horizontal blue and orange flame that lasted for about 10 seconds.
Cow waste turned into rocket fuel for space exploration. (Photo: Interstellar Technologies)
According to the official release, the bio-liquid biomethane is derived from cow manure collected from local dairy farms, so this fuel technology shows its potential benefits as an environmentally friendly rocket fuel in the near future.
To make the experiment a success, space startup Interstellar Technologies partnered with Japan-based Air Water Corporation.
Air Water Corporation has implemented a circular supply chain centered in the Hokkaido Tokachi area. It first ferments manure and urine in a plant built on a dairy farm in Taiki Town. It then transports the resulting biogas to a plant in Obihiro, where it is processed into rocket fuel.
At the second plant, the biomethane is separated from the product, cooled and converted into liquid biomethane.
According to some initial assessments, liquid biomethane fuel offers various benefits, including low cost, high operational fuel efficiency, ideal availability, and friendly environmental impact. In addition, this technology solves the problem of local dairy farmers who are having difficulty in handling waste.
Interstellar Technologies will conduct advanced testing to confirm that fuel made from cow waste can be used safely and sustainably for their devices, enough so that the ZERO rocket can carry small payload satellites into space.
HUYNH DUNG ((Source: Interestingengineering/Japantimes))
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