GITAI, a space robotics specialist based in Torrance, California, has successfully concluded a concept study for a mechanical arm designed to bolster Japan's crewed lunar rover. This significant step, undertaken by GITAI's Japanese subsidiary, was completed on March 31st under a $160,000 contract awarded by Japan's JAXA space agency. The study encompassed the conceptual design of the robotic arm system, essential interface requirements, and operational scenarios for both remote and autonomous operation.
Sho Nakanose, founder and CEO of GITAI, revealed that the subsequent phase of the contract is expected to secure several million dollars in funding from JAXA. This funding will be crucial for the development of the robotic arm for the pressurized rover, a joint venture between JAXA and Toyota. This rover is pivotal to Japan's participation in NASA's Artemis program, enabling astronauts to explore the Moon's polar regions. It will serve as a mobile, pressurized habitat allowing astronauts to live and work on the lunar surface for up to 30 days.
The collaboration between the United States and Japan is further solidified by the inclusion of Japanese astronauts in Artemis lunar missions, a direct result of JAXA's leading role in developing the crewed lunar rover. Regarding the launch timeline, Nakanose stated via email: “While no official launch date has been finalized, JAXA has internally targeted a timeframe around 2031–2035, depending on Artemis mission scheduling, rover readiness and launch opportunities.” He further clarified that “The development timeline in the GITAI contract assumes that the rover system should be ready by FY2030, in preparation for launch shortly thereafter.”
The rover's autonomous capabilities are a key feature. During uncrewed periods, it will utilize its robotic arm to prepare landing sites and conduct scientific missions before astronaut arrival. Nakanose emphasized the continued close coordination between JAXA and NASA, facilitated by the Artemis Accords and their Gateway partnership, ensuring interoperability and mission alignment.