ABOUT US
MISSION
With our high thrust, safe, and inexpensive propulsion system technology for small satellites, we will promote groundbreaking advances in space propulsion and contribute to the improvement of Earth orbital activities and future human economic activities that will reach deep space.
The human economic sphere is being extended into Earth orbit along with the growing demand for small spacecraft. Space stations may be built on the Moon or Mars in the near future. When this happens, a new transportation in space will be needed is. Transportation from space hubs to local destinations, i.e., "last-mile transportation," will be critical to the future space economy. Unfortunately, existing space propulsion technologies can only utilize very dangerous propellants, or are time-consuming low-power propulsion systems. The key technology to achieve last-mile transportation in space is a propulsion system that is compact, safe, affordable, fast, storable, and controllable (throttling capable). We believe that Letara's technology will not only improve existing Earth orbital activities, but will also be a mainstay of future human economic activity extending into deep space.
MEMBERS
Founder & Co-CEO
Landon KAMPS
ケンプス ランドン
When he deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 as a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, he saw a gap in access to space infrastructure due to the availability of technologies via military satellites. He believes that safe and fast propulsion is the key to realizing a future world where all countries and people enable to access to space.
Founder & Co-CEO
Shota HIRAI
平井 翔大
He is original founder of Letara, and pioneer of Letara’s cutting-edge hybrid propulsion re-ignition technologies. He has always wanted to contribute his knowledge and experience to society, and founded Letara with the hope of creating a world where everyone can go to space freely and safely.
Founder & CTO
Harunori NAGATA
永田 晴紀
Professor of Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Engieering. He has a rich history of innovation and design within the hybrid propulsion industry, including the invention of the CAMUI-type hybrid rocket, axial-injection end-burning-type hybrid rocket, and low-concentration hydrogen peroxide hybrid rocket.
Director & CFO
Keisuke SAKURAI
櫻井 恵介
With about decade of experience as president of Sakurai Legal office in Sapporo, he is passionate about developing the space industry in Hokkaido, and building the support structure necessary for innovative startups like Letara to succeed.
As the president of Uematsu Electric Co., Ltd. and passionate educator, he leads Japan in various space-related activities such as small rocket development, microgravity experiments, small satellite development, and joint projects with U.S. private space companies.
Business Advisor
Tsutomu UEMATSU
植松 努
What is "Letara"
Letara means "pure white" in the language of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Letara is based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and the name reflects the image of our "snowy white" landscape in Winter. The name also implies the newness of a start-up company, and the ability to take on the appearance of other colors in the future.
PROFILE
Company Name
Co-representative Director
Established
Business Detail
Address
Letara Ltd.
Co-CEO Landon KAMPS CO-CEO Shota HIRAI
June 23th, 2020
Developing and providing propulsion systems for small satellites
Hokudai Business Spring room 307, 2, Kita 21Jo Nishi 12Chome Kita-ku, Sapporo, HOKKAIDO, #001-0021, JAPAN
Performance
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2022
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Awarded MAEDA CORPORATIONA Award in "IBARAKI TECH PLANTER 2022"
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Selected for UTokyo IPC’s support program "1st Round"
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Selected for Japan Patent Office "Intellectual Property Acceleration Program (IPAS) 2022"
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Selected for "R&D Startup Support Project/NEDO Entrepreneurs Program(NEP)B" 1st public offering in FY2022
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Designated as “Hokkaido University Startup Company”
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Selected for "Kawasaki NEDO Innovation Center (K-NIC) Startup Hands on Program FY2021 Phase 2
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2021
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Awarded Asia Oceania Award in Space Business Idea Contest "S-Booster 2021" sponsored by Japanese Cabinet Office
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Awarded Pioneer Division Prize in "Innovators Under 35 Japan 2021" sponsored by MIT Technology Review
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2019
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Founders are Awarded Best Paper Award at the American Institute of Astronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
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