Tokyo-Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce it has been selected to receive additional funding under the Common Environment Development Costs^*1 program. The program is available to representative organizations undertaking critical technology development projects funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as part of the first phase of the Space Strategy Fund (SSF), administered by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Through this additional funding, Nikon will continue to advance the domestic development of an environment for the rapid prototyping and evaluation of large rocket combustion chambers and structural components. This initiative is also expected to contribute to domestic space transportation operators and other industries.

In its current Medium-Term Management Plan, Nikon has positioned large-format metal 3D printers as a strategic focus area. Leveraging the funding awarded under the SSF in October 2024^*2 coupled with this additional funding, Nikon will further accelerate the development and deployment of large-format metal 3D printers. The company will continue to develop and deliver industry-leading advanced manufacturing technologies and solutions that support the global space industry by reducing the cost and lead times to produce precision parts for space applications. Furthermore, Nikon will contribute to Japan’s national goal of achieving approximately 30 flagship and private rocket launches annually by the first half of the 2030s.