Professor Makiko Otake Makes History as First Japanese to Win NASA's Coradini Award

Breaking New Ground in Planetary Science

In a remarkable achievement for Japanese science, Professor Makiko Otake from Okayama University has become the first recipient from Japan to be honored with NASA's Coradini Award. This prestigious accolade is awarded by the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) and recognizes exceptional contributions to solar system exploration. Professor Otake's work has significantly advanced our understanding of planetary science, particularly through her involvement in crucial lunar and planetary missions.

The Coradini Award is an esteemed international recognition, presented to researchers who have made substantial and continuous scientific contributions in the field of solar system exploration. Professor Otake's receipt of this award highlights the global impact of her contributions over the years. Her outstanding efforts have spanned various high-profile projects, including her role as the lead developer for observation instruments aboard the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) lunar orbiter, Kaguya.

Underneath her leadership, Japan achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful landing of the SLIM small lunar lander, which marked the country's first endeavor in this domain. Professor Otake has been part of numerous missions designed for exploring the moon and planets, where her analytical work has led to vital scientific discoveries regarding the moon's origin and evolution. This substantial body of work sets the groundwork for wider understanding and advancements in the field.

The announcement of Professor Otake receiving the Coradini Award was made during the NASA Exploration Science Forum 2025, held in New Mexico, USA, from July 22 to 24. During her online acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude towards her team and collaborators throughout the years, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the success of exploration missions. Furthermore, she conveyed her optimism regarding the upcoming LUPEX mission, which is a collaborative project with India aimed at lunar polar exploration. This mission represents the next step in expanding our exploration of the moon and understanding its geology.

More personally, Professor Otake expressed her aspirations for the future, including the dream of supporting astronauts in obtaining lunar rock samples, indicating her commitment to not only advance science but also inspire future generations of scientists.

Okayama University, which oversees the Institute for Planetary Materia (IPM), expresses great expectations for Professor Otake’s continued contributions to science and commitment to nurturing the next generation of space scientists. The university remains dedicated to fostering innovative research that touches on sustainability and addresses global challenges.

About the Coradini Award

The Coradini Award is awarded annually by NASA's SSERVI to recognize exceptional contributions made by researchers in the field of solar system exploration. It honors long-term and significant contributions to the advancement of planetary science on an international stage.

Motivated by these achievements, Okayama University reinforces its position as a core, distinctive research institution that aspires to collaborate on initiatives that shape the future of not just Japan, but the world. With esteemed researchers like Professor Makiko Otake leading the way, the university ensures its place at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific exploration.

As we look ahead, individuals and institutions alike are called to support and engage with Okayama University's vision, which commits to enriching the landscape of planetary research for generations to come.