Welcome!!
This is the homepage of Kitagawa Laboratory, Department of Space Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology.
In this laboratory, we are conducting research on propulsion and combustion technologies for rockets and spacecraft.
Our current research topics are Hybrid Rocket System, Laser Ignition of Rocket, and Laser Propulsion. We mainly use experimental methods and emphasize hands-on experience.
Based on project management and systems engineering methods, we envision the goal of the entire propulsion system and conduct research aimed at practical application.
News/Events
(Click on an item to see details)
▼The Hybrid Rocket Symposium (7th) will be held!
We, the members of Kitagawa Lab, will participate in this conference-style presentation on research, development, and education related to hybrid rocket propulsion! This year the conference will be held online on March 3-4, 2025.
If you are interested and would like more information, please click here!
For inquiries, please contact
Representative of Hybrid Rocket Symposium Sponsor
E-mail: kitagawa.koki862@mail.kyutech.jp
▼Dr. Kitagawa’s article is now available!
An interview with Dr. Kitagawa is now available. With his words in mind, we would like to continue learning as well!
https://www.mirai-kougaku.jp/rep_teacher/pages/241108.php
▼Epsilon Rocket” participated in the Ekiden relay race at the university! Epsilon Rocket” has joined the relay race!
On Saturday, December 14, we, Kitagawa Lab, ran in the 75th intramural relay race!
Five runners, Kazuaki Tanaka (M2), Haruki Yoda (B4), Takuya Ikeda (B3), Dr. Kitagawa, and Dr. Matsui, were able to complete the race without incident. Of the five sections, the third section was a costume section, and Tanaka ran as an Epsilon rocket. The other participants seemed to be the center of attention of spectators! Ryosuke Kagawa (B3) also joined us as a security guard on the route. Thank you all for your hard work!
▼Received the Award for Excellence at the 68th The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences!
Kazuaki Tanaka (M2) received an award for excellence in student session at the 68th The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences!
Congratulations!
▼We vote for 2 place in “Kodaisai”!
We conducted a combustion experiment of a hybrid rocket engine at the Koudaisai (Kyushu Institute of Technology’s cultural festival) held on October 12-13, 2012.
We were happy if visitors could see the combustion of the rocket engine with great power, and if they could have even a small interest in space and rockets.
In the department exhibition voting, in which participants in the festival vote to determine the group with the more outstanding exhibition, our group came in a close second, just short of first place.
However, I feel that this exhibit, which was the result of our laboratory’s concerted effort, was more than just a success in terms of ranking.
We would like to thank everyone who visited the exhibition and voted for it.
▼Thank you for participating in the Hybrid Rocket Symposium (6th)!
Thank you for your participation in the 6th Hybrid Rocket Symposium held on December 7 and 8, 2023.
The 6th Hybrid Rocket Symposium had 20 research presentations and 6 company presentations, with a total of 90 participants.
The symposium was held online with a renewed structure, and was very successful because we were able to make full use of online tools and hold the symposium in a new format. We believe that the free and vigorous exchange of opinions contributed to the revitalization of the hybrid rocket field.
We plan to hold the Hybrid Rocket Symposium in a similar manner next year.
The time is still undecided, but we hope you will join us again next year.
If you have any comments or suggestions for the next time, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued support.
▼The Hybrid Rocket Symposium (6th) will be held! (Finished)
We, the members of Kitagawa Lab, will participate in this conference-style presentation on research, development, and education related to hybrid rocket propulsion! This year the conference will be held online on December 7-8, 2023.(The event ended with many participants.)
If you are interested and would like more information, please click here!
For inquiries, please contact
Representative of Hybrid Rocket Symposium Sponsor
E-mail: kitagawa.koki862@mail.kyutech.jp