Feel the Cosmos This Summer at the Osaka Expo: A Special LUPEX Session

Experience the Universe: A Special LUPEX Event at the Osaka Kansai Expo

On August 31, 2025, the JAXA permanent exhibition booth at the Osaka Kansai Expo hosted a special talk session titled "Going to the Moon: The Future Beyond" focusing on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. This engaging event specifically targeted families, especially children below elementary school age, aiming to pique their curiosity about space while providing a fun learning experience during the summer vacation.

The session highlighted the essential role of water in lunar exploration, focusing on the quest to search for water on the moon, an integral part of the LUPEX project. The event consisted of two distinct segments that offered participants an immersive time of learning and discovery through engaging talks and visual presentations.

As the stunning visuals of the moon and the universe filled the screens, attendees were captivated, listening intently to the speakers. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm—children expressed dreams and aspirations like, "I want to visit the moon!" and "I want to search for moon water!". This event sparked a sense of wonder about moon exploration and space development across all ages.

Event Overview

- Event Name: “Going to the Moon: The Future Beyond” - Special Talk Session 2 on the Lunar Polar Exploration Probe LUPEX
- Date: August 31, 2025, from 18:00 to 20:30
- Venue: JAXA Permanent Exhibition Booth at Osaka Kansai Expo
- Organizer: JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
- Speakers:

- Hiroshi Uesaka (Film Director, CG Creator)
- Hiroshi Aso (Project Manager, LUPEX Project Team)
- Hironaka Inoue (Research Developer, LUPEX Project Team)

Part 1: A New Experience of Universe Through Visuals

The first part of the session, titled “Going to the Moon: Exploring the Secrets of Space through Video,” revealed insights into how the captivating visuals of space were created. Hiroshi Uesaka shared behind-the-scenes stories on the production of the “Space Theater” visuals designed for the Expo. He discussed the scale of the universe depicted in the visuals, techniques utilized for realistic representation, and the artistic focus on beauty.

Attendees expressed amazement, commenting how it felt as if the universe appeared right before their eyes. Many children voiced their hopes and aspirations, saying phrases like, "I want to go to space one day!" and "I was amazed by the birth secrets of the moon!". This part demonstrated the power of visual storytelling in conveying the mysteries and excitement of science.

Uesaka concluded this segment with three key experiences he encouraged everyone to witness in their lifetime: the launch of a rocket, a total solar eclipse, and the beauty of the Northern Lights. He emphasized the life-changing feelings they bring and how they connect us to the broader cosmos, instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the universe.

Part 2: LUPEX - A Vision for Future Moon Bases

The second part featured JAXA's LUPEX team, with presentations by Hiroshi Aso and Hironaka Inoue. They explained LUPEX, a joint international mission between JAXA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore water resources at the lunar poles, a critical step towards establishing future lunar bases and human exploration.

They elaborated on the challenges of exploring areas like permanently shadowed craters where sunlight hardly reaches, which could potentially harbor ice. Water is not just vital for life but can be transformed into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel and energy, marking it as an essential resource for future space exploration.

Utilizing specially designed rovers, the expedition aims to analyze lunar regolith and uncover vital information about the existence and form of water. Queries like "What fraction of Earth’s size is the moon?" and "Where is water on the moon?" bridged the gap between complex scientific discussions and the audience's understanding, fostering smiles and intrigue among participants.

By introducing concepts like the origins of lunar water and international moon exploration plans, such as the Artemis program, attendees left with an inspiring understanding of how knowledge of the universe can empower our future. Many remarked on their renewed appreciation for the vastness of space and the discovery that they had never considered the strategic significance of lunar water resources before this event.

Uesaka's Vision for the Future

Hiroshi Uesaka expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from visitors at the JAXA booth, affirming that the desire to connect with the vastness of space is a shared yearning among many. He encouraged everyone to experience the high-resolution visuals and the unique spatial ambiance of the exhibition in person.

With a mission to create opportunities for visitors to explore the wonders of space, JAXA continues to develop engaging content aimed at inspiring the next generation of explorers. This summer special session was a perfect embodiment of their vision, allowing families to engage with the mysteries of the universe as they step into the 'immersive space experience' provided at the Osaka Kansai Expo.

For those yet to visit, JAXA invites families and friends to join in experiencing this extraordinary journey through space exploration at their permanent exhibition booth, where future explorers can perhaps be inspired to venture further into the cosmos.