4 minute read•Updated 4:30 PM EDT, Wed August 20, 2025
Hokkaido, Japan – Firefly Aerospace has taken a step toward expanding its global launch footprint with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SPACE COTAN Co., Ltd., operator of Japan’s Hokkaido Spaceport (HOSPO). The agreement will study the feasibility of launching Firefly’s small-lift Alpha rocket from the growing commercial spaceport in Taiki Town, Japan.
A Strategic Partnership in Asia
Under the MOU, SPACE COTAN will begin developing concepts of operations for orbital launches, assess system requirements, and evaluate regulatory and licensing frameworks for potential Alpha missions from HOSPO.
“I’m very pleased we have signed an MOU to study the feasibility of launching Firefly’s orbital rocket from HOSPO where we aim to launch a variety of rockets frequently...By taking advantage of the ideal location of Taiki Town in Hokkaido, we will support various launch service providers and contribute to the revitalization of the space industry in the region.” - Yoshinori Odagiri, President and CEO of SPACE COTAN.
For Firefly, the agreement marks a potential expansion into Asia and adds flexibility for customers in the region.
“Firefly will continue to expand our responsive launch capabilities to meet the growing demand of the satellite market across the globe...We look forward to exploring the opportunity to launch our Alpha rocket from Japan, which would allow us to serve the larger satellite industry in Asia and add resiliency for U.S. allies with a proven orbital launch vehicle.” - Adam Oakes, Vice President of Launch at Firefly Aerospace.
Hokkaido Spaceport: Building Asia’s Commercial Gateway
Hokkaido Spaceport, also known as HOSPO, is Japan’s first fully commercial spaceport, designed to attract both domestic and international launch providers. Its location in Taiki Town offers expansive sea ranges to the east and south, enabling safe launch azimuths for a variety of orbital inclinations, including mid-inclination and polar orbits.
Currently, Launch Complex 0 supports suborbital flights, while construction is underway on Launch Complex 1, HOSPO’s first orbital-class pad.
Launch Complex 0
Launch Complex 1
Launch Complex 2
The spaceport has already hosted multiple launches, including missions by Interstellar Technologies and jtSpace, though not without challenges—jtSpace’s suborbital flight in July 2025 ended in failure shortly after liftoff.
HOSPO’s ambitions extend further, with agreements already signed to support Interstellar’s future Zero small launch vehicle and other orbital-class rockets. SPACE COTAN has also been backed by the Japanese government’s Space Strategy Fund to develop technologies enabling high-frequency launch operations.
Firefly’s Expanding Global Launch Network
Firefly’s Alpha rocket, capable of delivering over 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, has until now launched exclusively from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The company has announced plans to begin flying from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia, and Esrange Space Center in Sweden, with first launches from those sites expected in 2026.
The potential addition of HOSPO would make Japan Firefly’s first Asian launch site, further broadening access to commercial and government satellite operators in the region.
Recent Challenges for Alpha
The news comes as Firefly works to return Alpha to flight following a failure earlier this year. The first Alpha mission of 2025, launched in April from Vandenberg, suffered an anomaly during stage separation that caused the loss of the upper stage engine nozzle and prevented its payload—a Lockheed Martin technology demonstration satellite—from reaching orbit.
The vehicle has been grounded since, with an investigation overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)ongoing. Firefly has said it is working closely with regulators and customers to finalize corrective actions before resuming its planned launch cadence.
Firefly targeted five Alpha launches in 2025, all from Vandenberg. While those plans have been disrupted, the company has reiterated its commitment to ramping up flight rates and expanding globally.
Looking Ahead
The timing of any Firefly launches from Hokkaido remains uncertain. A company spokesperson confirmed that the schedule will depend on the results of the feasibility study under the newly signed MOU.
If successful, the agreement would mark a significant milestone for both Firefly and SPACE COTAN: Firefly would secure access to Asia’s rapidly growing satellite market, while HOSPO would strengthen its position as a rising hub for international commercial spaceflight.
