How Nammo Ireland helped Japan launch the world’s smallest space rocket

On the 3^rd of February 2018, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched a micro-satellite into orbit using the smallest launch vehicle in space exploration history. Known as the SS-520-5 rocket, this launch was an important milestone for the JAXA space program and IHI Aerospace.

At the same time, it was also an important day for Nammo, as the thrusters on the rocket's attitude control system were controlled using Flow Control Valves supplied by Nammo Ireland.

The Nammo Ireland hardware was supplied to IHI Aerospace for integration into an upper stage Cold Gas Propulsion System. This system adjusts the orientation of the rocket, ensuring the payload is delivered to the correct orbit when the second stage is ignited.

The main challenge on the hardware supplied for the SS-520-5 program was the tight delivery schedule. The long lead items had to be managed tightly to minimise the risk of program delays. Nammo Ireland used a variety of Risk Mitigation activities, in Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly and Test to manage the delivery of the Cold Gas Thruster Flow Control Valves.

‘It was a great honour to be part of the SS-520-5 flight. I am proud of how all our teams worked to complete the delivery to the customer within a challenging time period’ said Mr. Mark Foy, Nammo Ireland’s General Manager.