#Japan #Tokyo #Lunar Exploration #JAXA #Kurita Industries

Kurita Industries' Continued Collaboration with JAXA

Kurita Industries, headquartered in Nakano, Tokyo, has made significant strides in space exploration technology. For the second consecutive year, the company has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its competitive proposal project aimed at developing a lunar propellant generation plant. This year’s focus is on water purification and electrolysis processes related to propellant production on the Moon.

The challenges of international space exploration, particularly as humanity sets its sights on Mars, have brought lunar missions to the forefront. In alignment with JAXA's 2021 International Space Exploration Scenario, research and development are being conducted regarding lunar and Martian exploration. There is a growing emphasis on utilizing water resources from the lunar surface, specifically within lunar regolith that contains ice. Kurita Industries aims to build a plant capable of producing liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen from this lunar regolith, leading the way in lunar resource utilization.

This ongoing project builds on the foundational concepts developed in the previous year. In the fiscal year 2024, Kurita will execute three primary objectives that stem from earlier concept design results:

1. Identify technical challenges related to the water purification process and contemplate future demonstration plans.
2. Conduct essential prototype tests focused on water purification processes.
3. Carry out essential prototype tests regarding electrolysis processes.

To accomplish these objectives, Kurita will employ extracted water, developed through predictive simulations, to evaluate the water purification processes. Furthermore, long-term tests will analyze the impact of impurity concentration in the source water on the electrolysis efficiency.

Kurita's collaboration with JAXA reaches beyond this recent initiative. The company has a solid history of working with JAXA on the International Space Station's water recycling systems, showcasing its dedication to applying its extensive expertise in water treatment systems to space applications.

As it progresses, the Kurita Group is committed to fostering partnerships with various stakeholders in space development—from government agencies to private sectors. Their goal is to advance technologies for water recovery and purification in space and to support the construction of sustainable space plants. This endeavor is part of a larger mission to contribute to humanity's continued challenges in space exploration.

Moreover, insights gained from research and development in the space sector will not only benefit space projects but will also be translated into practical solutions on Earth, addressing societal and industrial issues. Through these efforts, Kurita Industries is committed to realizing a sustainable society, further strengthening its role as a pioneer in the integration of water treatment technologies and space exploration.

In Conclusion: Kurita Industries' selection for JAXA’s lunar propellant project highlights the company’s growing involvement in space exploration and water purification technologies. Their ongoing efforts aim to ensure that the challenges of space and Earth-related issues are harmoniously addressed, paving the way for a sustainable future for both realms. With these initiatives, Kurita is not just a participant in the journey to the Moon and beyond but a key player in defining the future of space technology.