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For students of Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Ritsumeikan Space Management Program
Application Guidelines
1.Program Overview
This program is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Aerospace Human Resource Development Program: “Cross-Disciplinary Human Resource Creation Program in the Space × Humanities and Social Sciences Field.” Aimed at preparing for the future expansion and globalization of the space market, this program seeks to develop human resources equipped with foundational technical knowledge necessary for space development and business. By acquiring a systematic understanding of how research, development, business, and exploration missions in space are conducted, participants will gain management skills to lead multinational, interdisciplinary projects to success.
2.Format
In-Person
Language of Instruction: Japanese
Note. Some lectures in International Project Management will be conducted in English.
3.Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be: Enrolled students at Ritsumeikan University or Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
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*There are no restrictions regarding faculty or academic year. (Graduate students are also eligible)
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●Interested in space, lunar and planetary exploration
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●Aspiring to pursue a career in the space industry
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●Interested in business innovation and the creation of new ideas
For international students: Japanese language proficiency equivalent to JLPT N1 or above. Or having score 280 or higher on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
4.Skills Required
Interest in space and motivation to learn
Willingness to actively engage in teamwork and communication
Basic PC skills (e.g., ability to write reports using Microsoft Word)
5.Schedule and Locations (Tentative)
Fundamentals of Space Development | ||
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1 | July 12th (Sat) – 13th (Sun), 2025 | Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) |
2 | September 20th (Sat)-21st (Sun),2025 | Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC) |
3 | October 12th (Sun),2025 | Kinugasa Campus |
International Project Management | ||
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4 | November 8th (Sat)-9th (Sun),2025 | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Space System Operations | ||
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5 | February 18th (Wed)-21st (Sat),2026 | Tsukuba, Ibaraki (JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, etc.) |
Accommodation:
Participants at Fundamentals of Space Development and International Project Management will stay at the seminar-house on each campus, while those at Space System Operations are scheduled to stay at a hotel in Tsukuba City.
6.Number of Participants
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●Fundamentals of Space Management (BKC, OIC, Kinugasa) 〈Applications for each lecture (1.2.3)〉
Max 40 participants per session (30 RU students, 10 APU students) -
●International Project Management (APU)
Max 40 participants (20 RU students, 20 APU students) -
●Space Systems Operation (Tsukuba)
Max 40 participants (30 RU students, 10 APU students)
If applications exceed capacity, participants will be selected based on document screening.
See section 10 for details.
7.Application and Participation Requirements
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*Now enrolling: Fundamentals of Space Development (BKC)
1.Fundamentals of Space Development(BKC) | 2.Fundamentals of Space Development(OIC) | 3.Fundamentals of Space Development(Kinugasa) | 4.International Project Management(APU) | 5.Space System Operations(Tsukuba) | |
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Application Period(Tentative) | May 7–June 6, 2025 | Mid–July to Mid–Aug 2025 | Late Aug to Mid–Sept 2025 | Mid–Sept to Early Oct 2025 | Mid–Nov to Early Dec 2025 |
Result Announcement(Tentative) | June 13, 2025 | Late Aug 2025 | Late Sept 2025 | Mid Oct 2025 | Mid Dec 2025 |
Lecture Dates(Tentative) | July 12–13, 2025 | Sept 20–21, 2025 | Oct 12, 2025 | Nov 8–9, 2025 | Feb 18–21, 2026 |
Application Requirements | None | Must attend one of the three Fundamentals lectures |
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Participation Requirements | Must take on-demand prep course * | Must attend one of the three Fundamentals lectures |
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*On-demand prep course:Introduction to Space Management
This is an on-demand course that provides foundational knowledge in engineering, social sciences, and management, which are essential for space business. It is designed as a preparatory course to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge required for attending in-person lectures.
For more details8.How to Apply
Fill out the required information via this
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*Now enrolling: Fundamentals of Space Development (BKC)
9.Information Session
Date: May 8th (Thu),2025
Time: 15:00–16:00
Location: BKC Prism House, Room P109 + Online (Zoom)
If you wish to participate, please apply here. On-the-day participation is also possible, but we kindly ask for your cooperation with advance registration to help us manage the number of attendees
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*Participation is not mandatory, but recommended for those seeking details about the program.
A recording will be available on the website.
10.Selection
(1) Selection Criteria
Interest in space
Willingness to contribute to outreach or space business
Proactive attitude toward communicating with others
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*Priority for advanced lectures will be given to those who have participated in multiple Fundamentals sessions.
(2) Method
Based on the content of the application content, including the statement of purpose
Notification of results via email
11.Cost
Participation is free. The university will cover transportation and accommodation costs related to the program, with some exceptions.
Costs Covered by the University:
RU Students:
Transport and lodging from Kyoto Station to APU (for International Project Management)
Transport and lodging from Kyoto Station to Tsukuba (for Space Systems Operation)
APU Students:
Transport and lodging from Beppu Station to BKC/OIC/Kinugasa (for Fundamentals)
Transport and lodging from Oita Airport or Beppu Station to Tsukuba (for Space Systems Operation)
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*Costs not listed above must be covered by the participant.
12.Certificate of Cpmpletion
Certificates will be issued for each lecture. Participants who complete all programs may also receive a full program certificate.
13.Important Notes
This is an extracurricular program and does not offer academic credit.
After being accepted, withdrawals will not be accepted in principle. Please ensure your schedule does not conflict with classes, job hunting, or club activities before applying.
14.Contact
Ritsumeikan Space Management Program Secretariat
Office of General Planning and Development
Email:spacemp@st.ritsumei.ac.jp
TEL:075-813-8130