MSW Delivers Welding-Free Aluminum Tanks for ISAS's CRAFT Vehicle
MSW's welding-free tank technology is now part of ISAS's CRAFT demonstration, supporting the agency's push toward air-assist flight and reusable space transport systems.
Reporting from 1 source: ASCII.jp.
MJOLNIR SPACEWORKS is providing welding-free aluminum tanks for the propulsion system of CRAFT, a small experimental vehicle in development under JAXA's ISAS next-generation space transport research. The flight model of the liquid oxygen tank has been delivered, and partial prototyping of the liquid hydrogen tank is complete. The work supports the world-first air-assist flight initiative.
MSW has delivered the flight model of the liquid oxygen tank for CRAFT, a small experimental vehicle being developed under the next-generation space transport research led by JAXA's ISAS. Partial prototyping of the liquid hydrogen tank is also finished.
The project follows the RV-X vertical takeoff and landing reusable rocket, which completed its first takeoff and landing flight experiment on July 11, 2026. RV-X inherits and develops ISAS's reusable rocket technology research. CRAFT targets air-assist flight, a world-first approach that uses air to boost propulsion performance instead of treating the atmosphere as resistance.
MSW's tanks are welding-free, designed for short delivery times and stable quality. The company says it will continue supplying tanks and other components to support space agencies and private companies.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.