Space Entry (Tsukuba City, President Ryoichi Kumagai) is promoting the development of a robotic system equipped with the capabilities to communicate with astronauts, move freely, transport supplies, and even conduct experiments within the Japanese module. It aims to enable easy access to the space station from multiple ground bases and enable remote operation. The operation of this robotic system is expected to contribute to reducing astronaut workloads, providing support for their work and daily lives, and reducing training costs.

Astronauts’ missions are scheduled down to the minute. They stay aboard the ISS (International Space Station) for approximately six months, conducting a variety of experiments in physics, medicine, and biology using the space environment. Astronauts are also responsible for operational tasks such as system management and repair for the ISS and the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.” There are limits to how much astronauts can accomplish on their own, and to effectively utilize the limited resources of astronauts, remote control, automation, and autonomy technologies are being developed. By developing space robots equipped with remote, automated, and autonomous technologies, the company hopes to create an environment in which astronauts can participate in the space industry without increasing the tasks of astronauts.

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