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Toyoda Gosei Invests in Letara Ltd., a Startup Developing Engines for Artificial Satellites

original Propulsion engine and fuel for satellites developed by Letara Ltd. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Propulsion engine and fuel for satellites developed by Letara Ltd. (Graphic: Business Wire)

KIYOSU, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has invested1 in Letara Ltd., a startup out of Hokkaido University that develops engines for artificial satellites.

The engines being developed by Letara will enable satellites to move to a desired orbit after launch. With fuel technology using plastics and oxidizers, these engines provide both safety and propulsion, which are difficult to enhance at the same time in space.2 This helps to avoid collisions with other satellites and the creation of space debris, which have become problems in outer space, while also aiming to achieve safe and free movement in the future when space stations will be built on the moon and other celestial bodies.

As the automobile industry goes through profound changes beyond traditional industrial boundaries, Toyoda Gosei is exploring new fields that are not tied to the company’s existing business with the aim of sustainable growth. The space-related business being advanced by Letara is expected to grow in the coming years, and Toyoda Gosei, always on the lookout for fields where the company’s technology can be leveraged, has invested in Letara to enhance knowledge in this field.

1

Investment made in June 2024, through Toyoda Gosei’s Corporate Venture Capital Dept., an internal organization dedicated to these investments.

 

2

The types of fuel that can be used in the harsh environment of space are limited.

Outline of Letara

Name

 

Letara Ltd.

Address

 

Hokudai Business Spring room 307,
2 Kita 21 Jo Nishi 12 Chome Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Co-CEOs

 

Shota HIRAI, Landon KAMPS

Established

 

June 2020

 

Contacts

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
Contact: Public Relations
inquiry@mlist.toyoda-gosei.co.jp

Industry:

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.

TOKYO:7282
Release Summary
Toyoda Gosei has invested in Letara Ltd., a startup out of Hokkaido University that develops engines for artificial satellites.
Release Versions
English

Contacts

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
Contact: Public Relations
inquiry@mlist.toyoda-gosei.co.jp

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