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CNN's 'Innovate Japan' meets the pioneers developing the future of space exploration

2021-03-25 10:17 2481

HONG KONG, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This month on 'Innovate Japan', CNN international correspondent Selina Wang meets the Japanese tech pioneers working on the future of space exploration. From lunar rovers and robotic astronauts to the future of space food and accessible rockets, this 30-minute special showcases the Japanese startups taking on the final frontier.

CNN’s ‘Innovate Japan’ meets the pioneers developing the future of space exploration
CNN’s ‘Innovate Japan’ meets the pioneers developing the future of space exploration

To date, no private company has successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon but Takeshi Hakamada, founder and CEO of Tokyo-based startup ispace, hopes to change that. CNN speaks to Hakamada about his goal to land a spacecraft on the moon and explore the lunar surface, alongside his long term ambitions to build a lunar colony to support life and commerce on the moon.

CNN then meets Sho Nakanose, founder and CEO of GITAI, a robotics startup which is developing a new generation of astronauts, and they aren't even human. GITAI's robots can be controlled by a person on earth via a virtual reality headset and haptic gloves. GITAI is one of a growing number of space robotics startups that could pave the way to greater space development.

Chiaki Mukai, the first Japanese woman to travel to space, is turning her attention to another challenge: making food in the great beyond. She is leading a collaboration between academics and private companies who are developing a range of innovative solutions to help humans live in space, including a hydroponic farm that could grow crops on another planet. CNN also hears from Ryosuke Sakaki, who is working alongside scientists and manufacturers to develop a 3D printer that he hopes could one day recreate food at the push of a button, even in space.

Finally, CNN meets Masatoshi Nagasaki, founder and CEO of Space BD, who wants to make space accessible to more people. Space BD helps private companies and universities send satellites into orbit, including hitching a ride on Japanese rockets. CNN also speaks to Ko Ogasawara, Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, about the technical innovations which he hopes will halve the price of the company's latest rocket and make launching satellites from Japan more affordable.

Innovate Japan trailer: https://bit.ly/3f4AVC6    
Innovate Japan images: https://bit.ly/3qZy1RF 

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Sunday, 28th March 12:30am, 6:00am and 6:00pm HKT

About CNN International 

CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a WarnerMedia company.

 
Source: CNN International
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