Japanese Moon Base Project Navigates Lunar Construction Challenges with Advanced Technology

Japan is making significant strides toward the development of a moon base, with plans to establish it as early as around 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, Japan is harnessing remote-control technology used in various applications, including disaster relief efforts. For example, working on the development of a lightweight hydraulic excavator designed to drill the lunar surface. Challenges include the high cost of transporting cargo to the moon and the effect of its lower gravity on machinery operation. However, the moon's potential as a base for further space exploration, access to water, and the global interest in lunar development are driving these efforts. Japan is participating in the Artemis program alongside 29 other countries, aiming to establish a presence on the moon. Technologies for remote-controlled or automatic construction are crucial for lunar development, drawing from Japan's experience with remote-controlled machines developed after the 1991 eruption of Mt. Unzen's Fugendake peak. Japan is investing in projects to enable unmanned construction in outer space and aims to verify project feasibility and other issues by 2025. The establishment of a lunar base could lead to future lunar settlements. --ONA