FREX RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF FRONTIER EXPLORATION IN EARTH AND SPACE

In addition to planetary and Earth sciences (science) and spacecraft development and space utilization (engineering), the program is designed to integrate project management and entrepreneurship, and it will also include courses on topics such as data science and space law. Rather than offering education based on highly specialized fields within the natural sciences and engineering, the graduate school will adopt a cross-disciplinary curriculum that spans science, engineering, and management.

As we transition from the current era of space exploration and research (Phase 1) to an era of space utilization (exploration and development of the Moon and Mars and data utilization—Phase 2), as exemplified by the Artemis program, the graduate school will take the lead in conducting education and research centered on Phase 2, with a long-term vision extending to the future Phase 3 (the establishment of human habitats in space). The scope of focal fields is broad, encompassing everything from Earth to Mars, and will cover a wide range of activities, from understanding scientific frontier environments (including lunar and Martian satellites and planetary environments) to developing engineering-based exploration and utilization equipment, and utilizing the interdisciplinary data obtained from these frontier environments.

The curriculum will be built around hands-on, project-based learning to develop practical implementation skills and the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
With this approach, we aim to clearly differentiate this program from lecture-centered curricula.

In addition to hardware development, we also place emphasis on the utilization and monetization of satellite and exploration data. Through data analysis, modeling, and forecasting, our students will acquire the data-driven decision-making skills that will contribute to future mission planning and lead to the creation of new value.

With a policy of accepting international students to make up approximately half of the student body, we will build an educational and research framework based on multicultural collaboration. Through project activities, we will cultivate practical English skills and the ability to work effectively in global teams.

Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship will be embedded in the curriculum, and pathways for commercialization originating within the university, such as the real-world application of research findings, will be presented.
In addition, we will collaborate with the Ritsumeikan Office of Startup Promotion and the Ritsumeikan Social Impact Fund (RSIF).
While also promoting collaboration with companies and other partners, we aim to develop human resources who can hit the ground running in the industry.

Technologies developed through space activities will be spun off to contribute to solving issues on Earth in fields such as disaster prevention, resources, infrastructure, the environment, and energy. Rather than being limited to the space sector, we will open up potential career pathways to a wide range of industries.