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JAXA 宇宙探査イノベーションハブの紹介
Introduction to JAXA's Space Exploration Innovation
Hub Center efforts
杉田寛之 1 , 金子洋介 2
Hiroyuki Sugita 1, Yosuke Kaneko 2
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宇宙航空研究開発機構 宇宙探査イノベーションハブ，JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center
宇宙航空研究開発機構 宇宙探査イノベーションハブ，JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center

1. Overview
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to proceed towards Lunar and Martian exploration
under the framework of international space exploration. The Moon and other planets have significant gravity
fields, which means they have a high affinity for ground technology. Therefore, new developments will likely
incorporate a blend of both space exploration and ground technology. JAXA’s Space Exploration Innovation
Hub Center (TansaX) 1 promotes research and development by bringing existing players and newcomers
together, driving toward sustainable exploration in the Lunar domain and farther beyond.
2.

TansaX initiative

2.1. Concept
Today, we are on the cusp of an exciting re-entry into human and robotic exploration of the Moon andfarther beyond to Mars, within the framework of international cooperation. Several exploration projects are
currently underway and being vigorously promoted. However, the increased size of spacecraft, the prolonged
development periods, and the associated development costs have been significant challenges in exploration.
To realize efficient and challenging space exploration within a limited timeframe, it is crucial to infuse new
design concepts and the exit strategy for technological development while leveraging the capabilities of thecommercial sector and academia. While methods such as spin-in, where terrestrial technology is applied tospace exploration, and spin-out, where space technology is adapted back to terrestrial use, have been
attempted, they have not consistently led to truly innovative developments.
TansaX introduces a unique strategy to address these challenges. Its goal is to concurrently acquire space
exploration technology through collaborative efforts with the industry and academia, fostering open
innovation and driving the development of breakthrough technologies. This approach not only benefits space
exploration but also enhances commercial ventures on the ground. It's often referred to as the “Dual Utilization”

1 TansaX website, https://www.ihub-tansa.jaxa.jp/english/

1 of 3approach (Reference Figure 1). What sets this approach apart from the conventional one is that JAXA doesn't
solely issue development orders to external entities based on its research agendas; instead, it involves privatecompanies and universities in joint development on a shared research agenda. This approach, adopted byTansaX, aims to lower the barriers for entry into space exploration for non-traditional space entities.

Figure 1. Concept of TansaX

2.2. Approach
To enable open innovation in research and development, TansaX employs a two-step approach forestablishing joint research projects: a Request for Information (RFI) followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP).
The RFI serves as a call for information, inviting private companies and universities to submit innovativetechnological concepts that could potentially overcome challenges in space exploration while also benefiting
their own operations. JAXA then identifies technologies aligning with its exploration goals from the received
RFIs and invites research proposals through the RFP process.
Participants to the TansaX initiative come from across Japan. The program received more than 1100 technicalproposals that could potentially solve exploration challenges, and over 150 joint research projects haveemerged. More than 230 entities participated, and remarkably, 90% of them were from the non-space sector,spanning various industry domains such as construction, health care, energy, material, chemical and more.
Furthermore, private sector investment has exceeded government funding in promoting joint research
activities.
3.

Achievements

The collaborative research efforts undertaken by TansaX over the past nine years have yielded concrete
results in terms of space exploration and technology demonstrations. One illustrative example is thetransformable small Lunar robot, named SORA-Q, depicted in Figure 2. Joint research collaboration withJAXA commenced in 2016, focusing on the research theme "Small Robot Technology - Control Technology."
This robot, SORA-Q, has been integrated into the "Small Lander for Investigating Moon – SLIM" mission. Upon
landing on the Moon, it will acquire technical data about the Lunar surface. TOMI COMPANY, LTD has also
2 of 3announced its plans to release a flagship model of the robot, a commercial based toy-product.
The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) has integrated an imaging camera designed for water ice
detection and a gas trace water meter, both of which stem from joint research conducted with TansaX(Reference Figure 3). These projects are now in the process of being prepared for installation in the LUPEX
mission. Developed technologies will be used by the private companies to enhance their businesses on theground.
Expanding beyond the domains of exploration rovers, sensors, and human habitation technologies, TansaX
is on the verge of launching collaborative research endeavors aimed at shaping future infrastructure systems.
In the ongoing 11th RFP, as of August 2023, TansaX has invited joint research proposals aimed at advancing
energy generation, preservation, transportation, and utilization on the Lunar surface. These innovations arepoised to significantly enhance both human and robotic exploration, by providing a more sustainable andscalable environment in the Lunar domain. TansaX's commitment to advancing Lunar exploration
infrastructure, as well as science, along with the industry and academia remains steadfast as we press forward.

Figure 2. SORA-Q robot
Credit: TOMY COMPANY, LTD and Doshisha Univ.

Figure 3. LUPEX and gas trace water meter
Credit: SHINYEI Technology Co., LTD., AIST, Osaka Univ.,Ibaraki Univ., Kagoshima Univ., JAXA

© 2023 by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under theterms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license(http://creativecommons.org/li censes/by/4.0/).

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