Kankoh-maru

This article is about the rocketship. For other ships named Kankoh (Kankō-maru), see Kanko (disambiguation).

The Kankoh-maru (観光丸, Kankōmaru) is a proposed vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL), single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO), reusable launch system (rocket-powered spacecraft). According to a document from July 1997, it would have been manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with its formal name being the Kawasaki S-1.^[1]

Artist's concept of Kankoh-maru
Function	Crewed re-usable rocket
Country of origin	Japan
Size
Height	23.5 m (77 ft)[1]
Diameter	18 m (59 ft)[1]
Mass	550 t (1,210,000 lb)[1]
Stages	1
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass	50 t (110,000 lb)[2]
Launch history
Status	Proposed[3]
First stage
Thrust	6,888,000 N (1,548,000 lbf) [1]
Boosters
Total thrust	2,900,000 N (650,000 lbf) [1]

Overview

The concept was created by the Japanese Rocket Society ^[ja] in 1993.^[3] This development cost was estimated ¥3.8 billion (1995) (US$40.4 million) in 1995.^[4]

The name Kankō Maru is derived from the first steam-powered vessel in Edo-era Japan.^[3]

See also

• Chrysler SERV
• VentureStar
• Reusable Vehicle Testing program by JAXA/ISAS
• Blue Origin New Shepard
• Falcon 9 Full Thrust