The Moon Shot: Japan's Era of New Space
THE MOON SHOT
JAPAN'S ERA OF NEW SPACE
"Japan has one of the most advanced space technologies in the world. We hope the union of space agencies and entrepreneurial innovation can lead to a new era of space exploration."
- SUZUKI Akiko , Director of Public Affairs Department, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Half-a-century since man first walked on the moon, a generation of pioneering visionaries are heralding a new era of space discovery, with game-changing ambitions that look set to transform space exploration as we know it.
Robust science and technology continue to be the key pillars of sustainable exploration beyond Earth's orbit. Japan, with its history of innovation and unique strength in advanced robotics, is providing its expertise to further these efforts for the future benefit of mankind.
Japan's space program can be traced back to the 1950s, with its primary focus to help monitor and enhance our understanding of our planet. From observational satellites that observe and monitor large scale natural disasters, to scientific satellites surveying the moon and surrounding planets, and conducting astronomical observation across the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
© Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
© Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
SHOOTING FOR THE MOON
The confirmation of water ice on the surface of the moon in 2018 opened up the possibility of sustainable human habitation in the lunar environment. By harnessing the potential resource as drinkable water, oxygen and rocket fuel, the notion of continuous travel to moon colonies move from science fiction to reality; leap-frogging the opportunities of job creation, resource development and economic growth to the realm of space.
According to research conducted by Morgan Stanley, space-based ventures currently contribute $350 billion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and are projected to jump to over a trillion by 2040.
A new wave of space collaboration has begun, spurred by the technological innovations, lunar discoveries and entrepreneurial spirit of partnerships.
"When it comes to space, there are no borders, so we work together to bring new innovations. The advantage in Japan is the technology, and particularly the miniaturization of technologies."
- HAKAMADA Takeshi, CEO & Founder, ispace
THE ERA OF NEW SPACE
Private entities are forging ahead through collaboration with government agencies to launch an era of “New Space” - a new age in the lunar industry, enabling greater access to space than ever before.
Japan is spearheading the innovation of lunar exploration with private ventures across the country. In 2018, Tokyo announced a new initiative to establish a near billion dollar fund to support the development of space start-ups.
JAPAN'S SPACE START-UPS
One of the disruptors leading the innovation and internationalization of the race to the moon is Japanese start-up ispace. As a private lunar exploration company, their vision is to extend human presence beyond our planet, and incorporate the moon into the Earth's economic and living activities. Unlike established players, the company's diverse culture, spirit of innovation and international outlook, provides refreshing business ideas and applications to the commercialization of space.
Since receiving global recognition at the Google-backed Lunar XPrize competition, the start-up has continued working on its revolutionary technology - developing the world's smallest and lightest robotic rovers - playing to Japan's expertise in high-quality craftsmanship and historical strength in manufacturing. These rovers are designed to provide low-cost and high frequency transportation to support lunar travel. Their miniature size belies the fact that they would be able to navigate safely and autonomously and even hold cargo.
Lunar landers and rovers will provide a transportation system, that will assist in the extraction of water and minerals from the moon's surface to support a variety of industries. This would help develop and sustain a lunar mining business that is estimated to generate $40 billion by 2030. And by 2040, ispace predicts that the moon will be inhabited by 1,000 people, with over 10,000 visitors each year to a sustainable lunar city called 'Moon Valley'.
THE WORLD'S SMALLEST PLANETARY LUNAR ROVER
Underpinned by Japanese technological ingenuity and innovation, the advanced rovers will be fundamental in extracting vital lunar resources. These would be the smallest rovers in the world, measuring 62.5cm long, 57cm wide and 40 cm tall, weighing only 10kg, with the capacity to carry customer payloads to support visitors.
Key features include:
- Ability to autonomously traverse difficult terrain and conduct detailed mapping.
- Resistant to high radiation and extreme temperatures.
- 360° High-Definition Video & Photo capabilities.
- Application of advanced AI and swarm robotic functions, enabling the rovers to communicate with one another, whilst collating vital data points.
SPACE AMBITIONS
Establishment of the Deep Space Gateway
A lunar orbital space station (LOP-G) enabling crucial infrastructure for human and robotic missions to support lunar exploration. Global partners include JAXA working in close collaboration with NASA.
Lunar Landings
ispace establishes the first lunar fuel station supplying 'ships' traveling to deep space.
ispace launches first lunar lander mission with the second in 2023 by sending a rover. Working in close collaboration with JAXA, with sandpit bed test facilities to aid technological development.
Moon Colonies
The establishment of the first Moon Colonies with working and functioning teams on the lunar surface, and the development of a space economy.
Establishment of the Deep Space Gateway
A lunar orbital space station (LOP-G) enabling crucial infrastructure for human and robotic missions to support lunar exploration. Global partners include JAXA working in close collaboration with NASA.
ispace launches first lunar lander mission with the second in 2023 by sending a rover. Working in close collaboration with JAXA, with sandpit bed test facilities to aid technological development.
Lunar Landings
ispace establishes the first lunar fuel station supplying 'ships' traveling to deep space.
Moon Colonies
The establishment of the first Moon Colonies with working and functioning teams on the lunar surface, and the development of a space economy.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
The business of space appears to offer infinite possibilities with Japanese innovation at the fore. Driven by partnerships at home, across the private and public sectors, and collaboration abroad with other international space programs, Japan's entrepreneurial spirit and technical ingenuity is helping steer mankind on the precipice of a new space era, which may only be a moonshot away.
FOR FUTURE GROWTH, FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Collaboration and technological ingenuity are critical to solving our global challenges. Japan's long history of innovation, coupled with bold new initiatives and strong partnerships are providing modern solutions to enable a bright future for us all.
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