NEWS

Kirara-6, launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon cargo spacecraft CRS-32 on April 21, 2025, has successfully completed its approximately one-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and safely returned to Japan on June 3rd.

Following inspection, the experimental samples have been returned to the researchers and students involved. We hope the results will contribute to cutting-edge advancements in fields such as drug discovery and new material development.

As part of the educational component of the mission, eight Japanese junior high school students conducted a protein crystallization experiment using lysozyme. Numerous crystals were successfully formed in space, marking a successful outcome. The students will now compile their findings into reports and present them at a presentation event scheduled for this summer.

Protein (lysozyme) crystals obtained in the space experiment 

In addition, Kirara carried rice seeds of the premium Japan-Niigata-grown variety “Shinnosuke” into space. This initiative was part of the “KomeTane Space Project,” a special educational program based in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture in Japan. The seeds will be planted by local elementary school students next year, with the goal of harvesting rice that has journeyed through space. This project, now in its second season, is organized by a local construction company and aims to inspire the next generation through space and agriculture.

Kirara also carried an SD card containing messages from space agencies and space industry professionals across Asia—messages of dreams, goals, and heartfelt wishes sent into orbit.

Messages launched into space on Kirara-6 mission 

Furthermore, the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, a national research institute in Hungary, contributed to the mission by producing two music tracks inspired by space crystallization—one being the Hungarian national anthem and the other an original composition. These audio files were also stored on the SD card and launched to the ISS, representing a unique fusion of science and art and a meaningful example of international space culture exchange.

Now in its sixth year of service, Kirara continues to expand its reach beyond science and technology, fostering connections with local communities, education, and the arts. Through the Kirara program, we remain committed to providing flexible, user-friendly services that reflect the strengths of private-sector space initiatives.

The next launch of Kirara-7 is scheduled for spring 2026 or later.
For inquiries regarding the upcoming Kirara-7 mission, please feel free to contact us.

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