On April 1, 2022 (U.S. time), during SpaceX’s Transporter-4 mission, the metal box developed by Space NTK, with support from Inanami (then with Funai Consulting), was successfully launched.
This project overturned conventional wisdom in space launches, drastically reduced development costs, and achieved the innovative feat of sending a metal box engraved with illustrations into space.
▶︎ Watch the launch footage here (official SpaceX broadcast):
Transporter-4 Mission Live Stream
What is Transporter-4?
Transporter-4 was operated as a dedicated mission under SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare Program, a service that enables multiple small satellites to share a single launch. By splitting launch costs among participating companies, it provides far more affordable access to space compared to traditional methods.
In this mission, a total of 40 satellites were deployed into SSO (Sun-Synchronous Orbit), along with Space NTK’s metal box imbued with their vision.
Key Features:
- Diverse payload configuration: CubeSats, microsats, picosats, hosted payloads, orbital transfer vehicles, and more
- Maximum payload capacity: Up to 22,800 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Launch site: SLC-40 launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida
- Reliability and reusability: Booster B1061 completed its 7th flight and successfully landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions
Breaking the Norms of the Satellite Industry
At the start of consultations, cost estimates based on existing industry practices were prohibitively expensive.
This was because many electronic components and requirements were automatically assumed to be “essential.”
By carefully listening to the client’s goals, Inami meticulously separated “what is truly necessary” from “what is not.”
As a result, by eliminating electronic components and reducing the structure to “a single metal box,” development costs were drastically reduced.
Further innovations also minimized launch expenses:
- Lightweighting the payload as much as possible
- Sharing unused weight capacity with multiple companies
Through these measures, the launch cost was reduced to about two-thirds of the original estimate.
Harsh Project Management
During the project, multiple tasks had to be advanced simultaneously: fundraising, marketing, satellite development, coordination with launch providers, and negotiations with SpaceX.
At times, meetings began after midnight and an intense schedule continued for weeks.
Nevertheless, thanks to the collective effort and ingenuity of all involved, the Transporter-4 launch was successfully achieved.
Achievements and Significance
This project:
- Created a metal box engraved with illustrations
- Achieved cost reduction and efficiency
- Realized a form of space utilization that embodied the client’s philosophy
SpaceX also photographed Space NTK’s payload mounted in a highly visible position on the Falcon 9.
Furthermore, this success laid the foundation for Astraporta’s current initiatives such as the Lunar Data Transport Service and next-generation space utilization support projects.
👉 Learn more about the Lunar Data Transport Service
📖 For further details, please see the book:
Understanding Space Business: Proposals from Japan’s First Corporate Space Traveler (Seikaisha Shinsho)
