Yokohama Future Organization has launched a space project to create a "space-themed movement" in Yokohama.
At this kick-off meetup, we invited people involved in various space-related activities to talk about the appeal of space and the latest trends. I tried to increase the resolution of the theme.
The following six people took the stage and talked about current activities and the future of space from various aspects.
Mr. Yosuke Yamashiki, Director of SIC Human Space Science Research Center, Kyoto University
He introduced the cutting edge of research based on three core concepts for future human settlements on Mars and the Moon.
・Securing natural capital [core biome] that supports humankind in a closed space
・Technology to bring it into space and maintain it [core technology]
・And how the society [core society] should be in space
I was very surprised to learn that research on a scale such as installing a coral reef ecosystem as a space ocean in a space colony is being carried out.
◆Mr. Masashi Sato, co-founder of SPACETIDE
With a report on Japan's largest space conference "SPACETIDE 2023" held the other day,
・The latest version of the Japanese government's Basic Plan for Space Policy was approved by the Cabinet in June, and the entry of the private sector into the space business will accelerate in the future.
・In the space business, which was dominated by the United States, APAC is making remarkable progress.
・ Space technology is a means, and collaboration between various industries is the most important issue in the future.
We talked about the latest business trends.
As Space Tide, we are promoting cooperation with the local community, and we received comments that they would like to actively carry out activities in Yokohama.
Mr. Isamu Tanaka, Space Business Promotion Department, Social Implementation Development Center, Kyocera Corporation
Kyocera, Axelspace, and Ocean Eyes talked about the practical application of a high-precision fishing ground prediction service using artificial satellites.
It was an opportunity to learn about the real situation of the space business, such as securing the amount of satellite data and the high cost of obtaining data, which are issues to be addressed in the future.
◆ Mr. Osamu Matsuo, Representative Director, Social Innovation Concerto Bank, a specified non-profit organization
From the point of view that the challenges of remote communication in the corona disaster are similar to the challenges of communication between astronauts on the ISS and the center on the earth, life insurance is completely unrelated to space. He talked about how he became involved with JAXA.
Also, when we distributed space food to children, we got a good response that "food" is an effective theme from the great response.
Mr. Riichi Itakura, Manned Space Technology Center, Manned Space Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Ms. Satoko Otsuka
Starting with the history of the development of the robot arm for the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station, he talked about the possibilities of future space robots.
・Almost no robots have been introduced into the spacecraft yet, and there is a large white background for business entry.
・Although the introduction of AI is being considered in space, it is necessary to consider not only robots but also satellites and ground centers as a whole.
・The purpose of space robot technology is not to replace humans, but to save human time for more advanced work by having robots handle simple tasks.
It was a talk where you could feel a clear direction for space robot development.
In the space project, we are considering the following three areas as future directions, and will develop crossover activities with people from various industries, sectors, and age groups.
[Space x Business]
We will create opportunities for large companies and startups that are oriented toward the space business to meet, connect, and eventually collaborate.
[Universe x Living]
We will create a place for citizens and companies to talk about the future as a marketing place for future space B2C businesses such as energy, food, and healthcare.
[Universe x Learning]
Utilizing space-related places and contents in Yokohama and Kanagawa, we will provide children and parents with a place to experience the charm and fun of space.