#Japan #Tokyo #ISS #Kurita Corporation #Japanese Module

Kurita Corporation Engages in Collaborative Talks for the Next-Gen ISS Module

Kurita Corporation, headquartered in Nakano, Tokyo, has recently joined forces with Japan LEO Organization, led by President Yudai Yamamoto, to contribute to the development of the Japanese Module, which will be the successor to the Kibo experimental module of the International Space Station (ISS). This partnership is part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing an eco-system for space utilization, focusing on interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation among various industries.

As the ISS is expected to be retired by 2030, countries across the globe are accelerating their preparations for a post-ISS era. In Japan, significant efforts are being led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Earlier this year, Japan LEO Organization received funding from national space strategy programs and initiated the development of the Japanese Module along with the cargo spacecraft HTV-XC. The vision is to turn the low Earth orbit (LEO) economy into a predominantly private sector-driven enterprise, capitalizing on Japan's strengths in technology and industry.

In response, discussions to promote the formation of an eco-system utilizing the Japanese Module are set to commence, bringing together a diverse range of enterprises and organizations across the nation.

Water, an essential resource for human life and activity in space, becomes even more critical considering the exorbitant costs associated with transporting water from Earth to space. This underscores the increasing importance of developing water recycling and circulation infrastructure technologies geared toward space applications. Kurita Corporation aims to conduct a needs assessment regarding water requirements within the Japanese Module and explore the technical requirements necessary to address those needs during this collaborative initiative.

Drawing on years of expertise in water treatment, the Kurita Group has been actively collaborating with JAXA on various space-related projects, including the demonstration of water recycling systems in the ISS. Their objective is to apply their knowledge and technologies developed in water treatment to the realm of space exploration. Moving forward, Kurita plans to continue working with both government and private entities in the field of space development to advance technologies for water recovery and purification. Moreover, this will aid in building sustainable space installations, effectively supporting humanity's efforts in space exploration.

Additionally, insights and knowledge derived from research and development in the space domain will be utilized to create solutions that address societal challenges on Earth, contributing toward the realization of a sustainable society.

In conclusion, Kurita Corporation's participation in these discussions signals a critical step towards fostering an ecosystem that can support sustainable human activities in space, ensuring that future endeavors in space exploration are both efficient and environmentally conscious. As technologies advance and partnerships grow, the dream of a thriving economy in low Earth orbit can move closer to reality.