3 minute read•Updated 12:15 PM EDT, Wed April 2, 2025
Space robotics company GITAI has completed a concept study for a next-generation robotic arm designed to support Japan’s ambitious lunar exploration goals. The arm, aimed at outfitting Japan’s upcoming pressurized lunar rover, could play a crucial role in enabling long-duration crewed missions to the Moon early next decade.
Sho Nakanose, founder and CEO of GITAI, said the study was finalized on March 31 by the company's Japanese subsidiary under a $160,000 contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The effort marks a significant step toward equipping Japan’s lunar rover with advanced robotic capabilities for both autonomous and human-assisted operations.
“The study covered the concept design of the robotic arm system, interface requirements, and operational scenarios for both remote and autonomous use,” - Sho Nakanose, GITAI Founder and CEO
Japan’s Lunar Exploration Ambitions
Japan’s pressurized rover is a cornerstone of its contribution to NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
The vehicle, capable of supporting astronauts for up to 30 days on the lunar surface, will allow Japan to explore the Moon’s south polar region; a site of scientific and strategic interest due to the potential presence of water ice. In exchange for Japan leading development of the rover, the United States has committed to including Japanese astronauts on future Artemis missions to the lunar surface.
“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...The development timeline in the GITAI contract assumes that the rover system should be ready by FY2030, in preparation for launch shortly thereafter.” - Sho Nakanose, GITAI Founder and CEO
Multi-Million Dollar Development Phase
GITAI's completed concept study is expected to serve as the foundation for a follow-on phase of development that could involve several million dollars in additional funding from JAXA.
The next phase will likely include prototyping, environmental testing, and integration efforts as the rover program advances toward hardware readiness.
The robotic arm system would enable the rover to function independently between crewed missions, performing tasks like surface site preparation, cargo handling, and scientific sample collection. This autonomy is critical for maintaining mission cadence and efficiency in the harsh and remote lunar environment.
International Collaboration Under Artemis
The rover project, and the GITAI robotic arm that could support it, represents a growing trend in international collaboration under the Artemis Accords; a set of principles established by NASA and its partners to promote responsible space exploration.
GITAI is developing its system with close coordination between JAXA and NASA, particularly through the Gateway partnership; a multinational lunar orbital outpost that will serve as a staging platform for surface missions.
“Our work is being designed with interoperability in mind to ensure the robotic systems can function seamlessly with both Japanese and U.S. mission infrastructure,” - Sho Nakanose, GITAI Founder and CEO
