We realize new development possibilities utilizing the ultimate safety technology required in the space environment.
Created: 2023-07-16
Updated: 2025-09-06
Product/Service - Kirara
- Classification
- Miscellaneous
- Category
- Microgravity Research Payloads
Microgravity Science
Microgravity Flight Service (LEO)
- Status
- Active
- First launch
- 2019
Japan's Space construction innovation project, 2021-2025
- Lunar Construction Simulator
- Assuming actual resource extraction sites and potential landing sites in the lunar south pole, taking into account the terrain gradient and sunlight environment.
- Using the digital twin environment on the lunar surface, we will consider automating transportation, construction, assembly, startup, and operation after landing in the lunar south pole. The aim is to develop mutually with terrestrial technology by establishing automatic and autonomous technology for environments without positioning and at a high level.
- Technology classification: Construction (Whole system)
Kirara#6 will be launched to the ISS in April 2025.
- In Japan, TANAKA MIRAI Lab. of TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. will demonstrate its proprietary crystallization technologies in space.
- From overseas, the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences (Hungary), under the coordination of Hungarian to Orbit, HUNOR—the national body overseeing space programs—will conduct space experiments for the first time.
- Returning for a third mission, the Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) will send new samples to further validate findings obtained during the previous Kirara flight.
- From academia, Nagoya City University (Japan) will also participate continuously, contributing to the growing body of space-based research utilizing Kirara.
- Kirara continues to evolve as a model for next-generation space-based manufacturing, providing access to the unique advantages of microgravity for cutting-edge scientific and industrial applications.
- Announced that Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS), Interstellar Lab, and Exobiosphere as the latest payload partners for its Haven-1 Lab.
- The new partners will leverage the microgravity environment of the Haven-1 Lab by installing payloads focused in the areas of advanced materials development, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development.
- JAMSS will develop a multi-purpose payload facility that accommodates microgravity experiments and small payload modules. These sub-payloads include devices for colloidal photonic crystallization (a process for developing advanced optical materials), interfaces for commercial merchandise items, and many other applications.