Japanese chemical manufacturing firm Air Water is embarking on a groundbreaking endeavor to produce liquid biomethane from cow waste, with the intention of employing it as a sustainable rocket fuel. This initiative not only offers a potential solution to the disposal challenges faced by dairy farmers but also aligns with the global pursuit of more environmentally friendly space travel options.
Air Water has confirmed plans to commence trials of this unique approach during the upcoming autumn season. The resultant liquid biomethane will be tested in rocket propulsion systems developed by the space startup company Interstellar Technologies Inc., headquartered on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Since 2021, Air Water has been actively engaged in the production of liquid biomethane within the Hokkaido region. The process involves the fermentation of cow excrement and urine at a dedicated plant situated on a local dairy farm in the town of Taiki. Following this, the generated biogas is transported to a processing facility located in Obihiro. Here, meticulous separation techniques are employed to isolate methane from the mixture, followed by cooling and conversion into liquid biomethane.
In the realm of space exploration, rockets rely on liquid fuels to generate the immense power required for liftoff. Conventionally, high-purity methane is derived from liquid natural gas for this purpose. However, Air Water's innovative approach involves harnessing waste-sourced biogas to create methane of comparable quality. The intention is to demonstrate that this sustainable alternative can serve as a reliable fuel source for rockets designed by Interstellar Technologies.
Interstellar Technologies is poised to conduct rigorous tests to ascertain the suitability of cow waste-derived biomethane as rocket fuel for its devices. The ultimate objective is to employ this eco-friendly fuel source in the company's “Zero” rocket, which is designed for launching small satellite payloads into space.
A representative from Air Water articulated their vision, stating, “We want to send the rocket up using carbon-neutral energy.” This initiative not only holds promise for advancing space exploration with reduced environmental impact but also offers an innovative solution that could potentially benefit dairy farmers grappling with waste disposal challenges.
