New U.S. space station to feature Japan-made docking component

IHI Aerospace receives order from private developer Sierra Space

A Sierra Space transfer vehicle connects with the U.S. company's space station through a docking station in this artist's rendering. (Sierra Space)

KEIGO YOSHIDA and SATOSHI KAWAHARA, Nikkei staff writers

May 31, 2024 02:42 JST

TOKYO -- An American private-sector space station will use a docking component made by a Japanese company, opening the door to further exports by Japan's space industry in a field that generally adopts homegrown technology.

Space station developer Sierra Space, based in the U.S. state of Colorado, has ordered the ring-like docking connector from IHI Aerospace, a subsidiary of Japanese engineering firm IHI. Deliveries will begin in 2026.