Space Data and KDDI to Launch Robot Operation Demonstration in Virtual ISS

In April 2024, the Japanese government announced the establishment of a 1 trillion yen ($6.8 billion) Space Strategy Fund, emphasizing the growing importance of the space industry. The global space economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, creating new business opportunities for private companies. However, space remains a challenging frontier due to its extreme conditions-including microgravity, vacuum, and space radiation-as well as the high costs and uncertainties associated with space business development.

Space Data is committed to democratizing space through digital technology, making it as accessible as the internet. To achieve this, the company is developing a digital twin of space, allowing anyone to participate in space development. The Virtual ISS replicates the ISS with high-precision 3D spatial data and physical environment simulations. It is expected to be utilized in space robotics development, astronaut training, and space station environmental monitoring. Currently, it is available for free worldwide on Steam, the largest PC gaming platform, targeting gamers and educational institutions.

KDDI launched the MUGENLABO UNIVERSE program on May 30, 2024, fostering co-creation between startups and enterprises to leverage space technology for solving global challenges. Through this program, KDDI supports Space Data in expanding the user base for its simulation platform, providing computational resources, and offering financial assistance to facilitate commercialization.

The Demonstration will recreate JAXA's Int-Ball2 space robot inside the Virtual ISS, allowing it to operate based on real ISS commands using the newly developed Technology. This will enable high-fidelity testing and validation of robotic systems within the Virtual ISS before deployment to the real ISS.

The behavior of the virtual robot in the Virtual ISS will be compared with that of the actual robot in the real ISS, evaluating the Technology's accuracy in replicating ISS environmental conditions. Data collected from the real ISS will be utilized to further improve the precision of the Virtual ISS.

The Demonstration will be conducted using JAXA's "Kibo" Utilization Program for commercial applications.
The high-precision Virtual ISS developed through this initiative will be provided to startups and enterprises via the MUGENLABO UNIVERSE program, enabling companies to test their space robots and infrastructure in a digital environment. Additionally, the companies plan to develop the Virtual ISS into a space experience platform, expanding its applications beyond research and development.

MUGENLABO UNIVERSE is a program hosted by KDDI that promotes co-creation in the space industry, bringing together startups, established companies, and experts from various industries to tackle space-related challenges and use space technologies for solving terrestrial issues.

The program provides startups with diverse demonstration environments, including digital spaces that simulate outer space and low Earth orbit, as well as opportunities for mentoring and networking with space experts. This support creates an environment conducive to businesses exploring space-based solutions and developing new ventures.

MUGENLABO UNIVERSE was selected for Tokyo's "TIB CATAPULT" program on September 20, 2024. This program offers financial support for startup commercialization, fosters collaboration with large enterprises and other participants in space-related business development, and strengthens support for business growth and increasing corporate value.

SpaceData is a startup engaged in research and development aimed at the fusion of "space" and "digital". We are advancing research that aims to integrate technologies from the field of space, such as satellites, space stations, and lunar exploration, with technologies from the digital field, such as AI, 3DCG, and digital twins. With the vision of "creating a new space", we are involved in the invention, patenting, and practical application of innovative technologies.