Transportation

Toyota Takes Aim at SpaceX With Investment in Rocket Startup

Toyota commits $44 million to Interstellar Technologies
Japan is pushing for 30 launches a year to vie with US, China

Akio Toyoda during the 2025 CES event in Las Vegas on Jan. 6.Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg

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By Chester Dawson and Bruce Einhorn

January 7, 2025 at 2:36 AM UTC

Updated on

January 7, 2025 at 4:09 PM UTC

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Toyota Motor Corp. is investing in a Japanese startup that aims to mass produce lightweight rockets and someday vie with big players for a slice of the growing commercial space industry.

Interstellar Technologies Inc. announced Tuesday that Toyota is contributing ¥7 billion ($44 million) through its subsidiary and research unit, Woven by Toyota, and the carmaker will gain a seat on the startup’s executive board as a result.