## Surface treatment, Film formation, Engines

## Frontier (Outer Space and Oceans)

## Development of Solid-Liquid Hybrid Rocket “CAMUI”

## Keyword: Patent of original idea, Research by Industry-academia-government cooperation + NPO, Venturing

Organizations Involved

Harunori Nagata, Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University

Tsutomu Uematsu, Executive Director, Uematsu Electric Co., Ltd.

Kenichi Ito, Vice-Chairman of a Board of Directors,

NPO, Hokkaido Aerospace and Technology Incubation Center (HASTIC)

Prof. Nagata

Mr. Uematsu

Dr. Ito

## 【Abstract】

The safety and launch cost of the small size rocket are drastically improved by Professor Nagata who invented and developed a new type hybrid rocket engine using solid fuel and liquid oxidizer. Simultaneously in Hokkaido area, creation of space industry becomes one of the strategic targets by the use of the area's wide space. NPO HASTIC assists to develop both the new type rocket and the space industry. In 2006, Mr. Uematsu and Dr. Nagata established a new venture company, CAMUI SPACE WOKS Co. Ltd.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

New rocket engine is named “Cascaded Multistage Impinging Jet (CAMUI)”. CAMUI also means “God” in the language of the indigenous people in Hokkaido (Ainu). Liquid oxidizer (oxygen) is sprayed vertically to solid propellant (plastic materials), and the propulsive force becomes 80kgf. The 400kgf rocket is now developed.

## ●Market Impact

Since the propellant is not an explosive substance, the launch cost becomes very low, only 100 million ¥/time. This rocket offers a very easy way for weather observation and the micro-gravity experiments. All of the researchers and companies who need micro-gravity environment will have a convenient method.

## ● Social Impact

The space industry required very strict accuracy for processing. CAMUI rocket does not need such a strict accuracy, so that regional small/medium scaled companies may join the creation of space industry.

## Special Features of the Collaboration

The cooperation on the academia site is managed by HASTIC, and on the industry side Uematsu Electric Co. Ltd. makes a great contribution to succeed in this project. Executive director of the company, Mr. Tsutomu Uematsu, who greatly understands Dr. Nagata, established a venture company, CAMUI SPACE WORK Co. Ltd.

## Project Background

Dr. Nagata, Dr. Akiba(professor of Hokkaido Institute of Technology, the chairman of HASTIC) and Dr. Ito (former professor of Hokkaido University) have formed academic relation for 10 years.

## Funding History

1.2004, regional rebirth consortium (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

2.2006-7. Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent pending

Hybrid Rocket

Jp2001-003813

Jp2004-137956

Jp2005-054649

## Outline of CAMUI Rocket

80kgf CAMUI rocket has been launched experimentally.

Picture (left) is a mock-up of CAMUI.

Pictures (under) are experiment of combustion, and the structure of the engine.

## Turning point in the Project

As an academic relation expands to NPO, key persons in the regional cooperation system understand the future of the new rocket.

○Mr. Uematsu understand Dr. Nagata deeply, and acts as a supporter.

○Drastic cost down changes the space industry market.