DATE2025.10.01 #Press Releases

The University of Tokyo launches the Center for Space Resources and Innovation (CSRI)

-Pioneering “Space Resource Science” to shape the future of lunar and asteroid exploration-

Summary

The University of Tokyo has established the Center for Space Resources and Innovation (CSRI) on October 1, 2025. As humanity faces increasing constraints on Earth’s resources and expands its exploration of the Moon and asteroids, CSRI will serve as a new international hub for advancing the science, technology, and policy of space resource utilization. Its mission is to pioneer a new academic field, “Space Resource Science,” that comprehensively addresses the entire cycle from exploration to utilization.

CSRI will be jointly operated by the Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS), Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), and The University Museum, The University of Tokyo (UMUT). Bringing together expertise across natural sciences, engineering, and policy studies, CSRI will pursue integrated research and technology development spanning from resource prospecting to in-situ utilization, while contributing to a sustainable balance between extraterrestrial activities and Earth’s future society.

In addition, CSRI will collaborate extensively with overseas universities and research institutions to develop practical and international education and research programs. Through these efforts, the center aims to systematically foster human resources capable of playing active roles in the international community, while establishing the scientific and institutional foundations for space resource utilization. These initiatives are closely linked to the Space Strategy Fund SX Hub: Space Resource Development Hub for Lunar Exploration (launched in May 2025), ensuring synergy and mutual application of research outcomes.

From our School of Science, Professor Seiji Sugita and Professor Yoshio Takahashi of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science, and Professor Shogo Tachibana of the UTokyo Organization for Planetary and Space Science, and Professor Hiroyuki Kagi of the Geochemical Research Center (GcRC), Graduate School of Science.

CSRI Vision：Future Applications and Technology Goals for Extraterrestrial Resource

Links

Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo
The University Museum, The University of Tokyo