NEWS

On October 20, 2024, Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) held the pre-lecture for the "Space Science Lab" at X-NIHONBASHI in Tokyo, Japan.

The "Space Science Lab" is an extracurricular program that allows junior high and high school students (12-18 years old) from across Japan to take on space experiments using the International Space Station (ISS). Co-hosted by JAMSS and Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), the program provides students with the opportunity to conduct space experiments. Participants will focus on "drug discovery research," a key area in space science, by working on protein crystallization in space.  

Now in its third year, the Space Science Lab kicked off its first event of 2024 on October 20, with a pre-lecture at X-NIHONBASHI, a hub for Japan’s space business. During the pre-lecture, JAMSS explained the program overview, and so the students took their first steps toward their upcoming space experiment. In addition to practicing delicate tasks unique to space experiments, all students were given hands-on training to help them grasp the skills needed. JAMSS also introduced them to the latest space experiments being conducted on the ISS.

Highlights from the pre-lecture of 'Space Science Lab'

One of the students said, "Experiencing the challenging part of the experiment helped me get a better idea of what’s involved. Learning the cutting-edge experiments conducted on the ISS also sparked my interest in space even more!" 
The next event is scheduled for early spring 2025, where students will prepare experimental samples for space. The samples will be launched into space by rocket in spring of the following year for the actual space experiment.


Message from the Instructor

Ms. Maria Harigae, Astronaut Training Instructor, JAMSS 
I have been teaching since the first "Space Science Lab" in 2022. This program has welcomed many junior high and high school students, mainly from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and it's now in its third year. Since all the participants this year are junior high school students, I’ve been focusing on creating easy-to-understand materials and explanations. 
I believe the excitement of space experiments lies in the fact that students are tackling problems for which no one has the answers. Our role as experts is to teach the methodology of space experiments, stimulate students’ curiosity, and help them think deeply and find their own solutions. I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s participants will learn.

What is an Astronaut Training Instructor?
Astronaut training instructors provide the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for astronauts to carry out activities in space. JAMSS’s instructors use the training facilities at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, offering training related to the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the ISS. Currently, there are about 20 astronaut training instructors in Japan, all of whom are employed by private companies, with the majority being JAMSS employees.  

Overview of the "Space Science Lab"
The Space Science Lab is a roughly six-month extracurricular program, held once a year. The 2024 participants consist of nine junior high school students from Tokyo, divided into two teams. While the program is primarily team-based, students will also have the opportunity to interact with other teams at three events, encouraging collaboration as they work on space experiments. 
Each team sets their own experimental goals, examines crystallization conditions on Earth, and prepares the experimental samples, which will be launched into space. The samples are returned to each team after being recovered from space (results from the 2023 experiment are available here). After observing the samples, the students compile experiment reports and present their findings at the final presentation event. By sharing reports and exchanging information, the program fosters a learning experience where students gain insights from one another.

Highlights from the 2023 Space Science Lab

In the near future, space will become an even more familiar part of our lives. Through this event, we aim to deepen students’ interest in space beyond Earth and offer an excellent opportunity to improve their knowledge of space development, natural science, and biochemistry.
Watch the video here
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About Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1905, Nippon Travel Agency is Japan’s oldest general travel agency. With years of experience in space-related public relations and other activities, the company launched a specialized space business department, the "Space Business Promotion Team," in 2020. Under the slogan "Building a bridge between people and space," Nippon Travel offers a variety of space-themed tours and events through its "sola Tabi Club" brand, from rocket launches to stargazing. The company is also involved in regional revitalization projects for local governments. In 2021, Nippon Travel launched the original "Mirai Juku" program for space and STEAM education, offering traveling classes and children's events on space at schools, learning centers, and commercial facilities.

About Kirara
"Kirara" is a service that generates high-quality protein crystals on the ISS and delivers them to customers. By placing samples in the ICE Cubes Facility, operated by Space Applications Services (Belgium), the crystals are grown in the microgravity environment of space, which prevents convection and sedimentation, conditions impossible to achieve on Earth. In addition to supporting scientific experiments and drug discovery, Kirara also contributes to STEAM educational activities.