DATE2024.11.18 #Press Releases

Research and development of leading-edge technologies started to expand the use of the Moon's surface

～Ultra-compact and Highly-functional Space Radiation Environment Measurement Technology and Real-time Dose Evaluation System

Summary

The Institute for Space and Earth Environment, Nagoya University, The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Kobe University, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, RIKEN, and Tokyo University of Science have jointly developed a new technology for measuring ultra-small and highly functional space radiation environment for expanding the use of the Moon's surface ("Construction of ultra-compact and highly functional space radiation environment measurement technology and real-time radiation dose evaluation system for the expansion of lunar utilization"), which has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its "FY20021 Scientific Research and Technology Demonstration Mission on the Moon (feasibility study theme)". As a next step, the above institutions start the front-loading activities to facilitate the development of future onboard equipment on the Moon and in lunar orbit.

This research group will continue to improve its Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to obtain onboard opportunities for lunar exploration and accelerate research that will contribute to the advancement of mankind into deep space.

Figure: Operational image of the research results in the lunar environment

Associate Professor Satoshi Kasahara of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, has been appointed as the team leader of the measurement technology team for the charging of this research and development.

Related links: Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Kobe University, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization(KEK), The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, RIKEN, Tokyo University of Science（in Japanese）