午夜剧场

Initiatives utilizing space are becoming increasingly active. Most man-made objects in outer space are satellites, and there are already over 4,400 of them. Most are classified into three types: Earth observation satellites represented by "Himawari," communication and broadcasting satellites represented by BS/CS, and positioning satellites represented by GPS and "Michibiki." Japan is also a space-faring nation that possesses these satellites. In recent years, as satellites have become more sophisticated, smaller, and less expensive, it has become possible for all countries to own ultra-small satellites the size of a tabletop. We are entering an era where anyone can own and share their own satellite, through concepts like "My Satellite" and satellite sharing.

The use of satellites is effective in solving various social issues. It is possible to cover wide areas across national borders, and by storing that data, changes and differences can be understood for everything from global-scale issues to regional issues. In our laboratory, for example, we are designing a system in Malaysia that acquires farm topography data via Earth observation satellites and drones and uses positioning satellites to navigate farmers to optimal planting positions. In Cambodia, we are designing a system for farmers who want loans and financial institutions that want to provide them, calculating repayment/lending risks by utilizing daily farming data and farmland data obtained from Earth observation satellites. Furthermore, in the field of sports, we are working on initiatives to prevent injuries and improve training by having athletes wear GPS receivers to constantly measure exercise volume data during daily practice and matches, combining this with biological data. In fact, the 午夜剧场 Rugby Football Club has seen various positive effects from this.

What is important when taking on the challenge of solving social issues using satellites? It is to understand the issue from both a bird's-eye and a detailed perspective. Furthermore, it is necessary to work together to clarify the true expectations and thoughts of the people and communities facing those issues. Through this, I experience daily that the use of satellites is helpful in solving various social issues. To that end, I want to work with many people in Japan and abroad—centered on 午夜剧场's affiliated schools, the university, graduate schools, and research institutions—to create initiatives and environments where those tackling social issues become interested in space utilization, and those involved in space utilization become interested in solving various social issues.