The Research Development Section of the Office of Research and Innovation at Tokyo Institute of Technology annually selects key topics from priority and strategic research fields. We conduct comprehensive surveys and compile reports to provide insights into the latest trends in research and industry collaboration.
Survey period: 2023
Notice Regarding Report Availability
Please be advised that this webpage and the Space Research Report available on it are currently offered only in Japanese. The English content you see has been translated using an automatic translation tool, which may result in layout inconsistencies and potential inaccuracies in the text. If you are interested in this report or require further assistance, please feel free to contact the URA. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
About the Space Research Report
Space development is intensifying with global competition among countries, transitioning from government-led to private-sector collaboration. In Japan, the Cabinet Office has established a Space Strategy Fund. Following this space technology strategy, efforts to strengthen advanced technology development have begun. This report focuses on the next generation (2050-2100), when living and economic activities in space will become full-scale, following the short- and mid-term space development (development to reach space). The purpose is to provide comprehensive analysis of the current state of space research and development, clarify future efforts and challenges, and offer guidance for long-term research strategies. It provides the latest data and trends on space development, offering valuable information particularly as a guideline for research in academia.
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Report Summary
This report analyzes the current state of next-generation space development (the era in which living and economic activities take place in space) by examining the initiatives of various countries and research institutions from a zero-base perspective, exploring the challenges and future directions of space development. The "Report Summary" organizes these into research elements and themes. Aiming to build a living infrastructure that looks one step ahead of government-led space development, it categorizes the research into three sections: "Basic theme of space development," "Living environments in space/food, clothing, and shelter)," and "Social infrastructure in space," with each section further divided into 11 categories. Additionally, the report addresses the direction of space business and our institution’s initiatives, providing comprehensive information to understand the overall picture.
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1. Current Status of Space Development from a Zero-Based Perspective
Eleven categories derived from the three-tier classification organized in the report summary— "Basic Themes of Space Development," "Living Environment in Space (Food, Clothing, and Shelter)," and "Social Infrastructure in Space"—have been further detailed into 51 specific research topics. By delving into the current R&D efforts on these topics, the present state of development is highlighted.
We have identified 51 items from the following 11 categories and summarized global research and development trends:
Life
Medical/Health
Clothing
Food
Housing/Living
Space Environment/Weather
Construction
Manufacturing/Production
Energy
Transportation
Space Society/Law
2. Current Status of Space Development by Countries/Research Institutions
Analyzes the latest efforts in space development by various countries and major research institutions.
・Japanese Government Initiatives
・Domestic Research Institutions (mainly university research institutes)
・Other Space-Related Institutions
・Initiatives by Other Countries
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3. Research issues necessary for space development
Extracts challenges visible from the current state of space development, clarifying research challenges that need to be addressed. It organizes issues from technical, ethical, and legal perspectives and suggests directions for future research.
・Effects and challenges on the human body in space
・Challenges of living in space
・Issues in each space development research and future research directions
Read Chapter 34. Future direction of space research and development
Summarizes the challenges related to the effects on the human body in space, challenges in space life, and suggestions for future research directions in a matrix format. It also introduces the space research elements and laboratories at Tokyo Institute of Technology that conducted the research.
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(Reference) Current Status and Future Trends of Space Business
The themes of future space development will require research and development to meet the necessary and sufficient conditions for humans to live and reside in space. This section provides an overview of academic research elements, suggesting directions and proposing initiatives that leverage the university's strengths through benchmarking with other universities.
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Consultationand Contact
Consultation and Contact