NEWS

Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) has developed and delivered the inaugural “Space Systems Operations Course,” a new hands-on training program conducted February 18–21, 2026 in Tsukuba, Japan.
The program forms a core component of Ritsumeikan University’s “Space × Humanities & Social Sciences” Cross-Disciplinary Human Resource Development Program, funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Group photo at Tsukuba Space Center ©Ritsumeikan University

■ Overview of the Course
• Dates: February 18 (Wed) – 21 (Sat), 2026
• Location: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Participants: Students of Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Approx. 30Participants)
• Organizer: Ritsumeikan University (Ritsumeikan Space Management Program)
• Course Development & Instruction: JAMSS (designed and led by specialists with astronaut training and “Kibo” ISS operations expertise)

The four-day program combined lectures with immersive practical exercises:
• Feb 18: Operations simulation training
• Feb 19: Rover operation exercises
• Feb 20: Field training
• Feb 21: Study tour to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center

Highlight from the training ©Ritsumeikan University

■ Background: Japan’s Growing Need for Cross-Disciplinary Space Management Professionals
As the global space industry expands and commercial activity accelerates, countries increasingly require talent that can bridge engineering with management, operations, and international coordination. Japan—despite its strong technical foundation—is experiencing a shortage of such cross-disciplinary professionals who can lead complex space projects.
To help address this national challenge, the program integrates STEM, business, law, and project management with practical operations training. It forms part of Japan’s broader effort, led by MEXT, to strengthen its talent pipeline and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s space sector.

■ JAMSS’ Contribution: Transforming Operational “Field Knowledge” into Education
Drawing from decades of experience in human spaceflight operations and astronaut training, JAMSS designed the course to foster practical operations capability, specifically:
• Mission planning under constraints
• Real-time decision-making
• Team communication and coordination
• Risk identification and mitigation
Participants worked in teams through scenario-based exercises, mirroring the operational approach used in the ISS “Kibo” control room.

■ Comments from JAMSS Instructors

Chizuru Yokosuka, Associate Senior Engineer
“Throughout the course, students experienced lunar mission exercises and practiced the same voice protocol used by Kibo flight controllers. By the end, many had developed concise and effective communication skills applicable beyond space operations.”

Kaya Hamamoto, Assistant Senior Engineer
“Using SFRM (Space Flight Resource Management) as the core framework, students repeatedly applied daily self-evaluations and practical exercises. It was inspiring to see how much they grew in just four days—especially their teamwork and confidence after returning from the field training.”

■ Social Impact: A New Model for Expanding Space Education
A notable feature of this initiative is that a specialist space operations company (JAMSS) develops the course, and later non-space-sector organizations will take the lead in its wider delivery.
This cross-industry collaboration creates a scalable model to broaden access to space-related learning and expand the talent base beyond traditional aerospace fields.

■ Future Outlook
Ritsumeikan University’s Space Management Program consists of three courses;
(1) Fundamentals of Space Management,
(2) International Project Management, and
(3) Space Systems Operations (this course)
with the goal of training over 200 in-person participants and 1,000 online learners by FY2026.
JAMSS will submit the final version of the project report and hand over the program to the organization that will lead its future implementation.

We hope the program will inspire and empower many promising future leaders in space.

■ Related Link: Ritsumeikan Space Management Program | Ritsumeikan University