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Research on Energy Systems for Lunar and Planetary Exploration

Details of research theme

The theme of this research is to develop energy systems that enhance the potential for lunar and planetary exploration using wireless power transmission technologies (electromagnetic induction, resonant Wireless Power Transfer, radiation field), and to plan near-future space experiments aimed at realizing a lunar microgrid.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on an exploration of permanently shadowed regions inside lunar craters in the polar regions or of lava tubes, and with manned exploration of Mars also under consideration, energy supply remains one of the major challenges.

This research aims to expand the scope of exploration and utilization on the Moon and other planets through the application of wireless power transmission technology.

The energy system studied in this research employs a modular structure that allows for flexible optimization of scale, with the goal of achieving extreme lightweighting and size reduction during transport.

Furthermore, as part of this research, participation in evaluating energy experiments in the space environment will be included, and the next phase of constructing a lunar microgrid will be examined in detail.

 

 

 

<Scope of change in work> None

(If there is a change beyond the work related to the above work content, the contract will be revised)

Required abilities， qualities， and experience

We expect enthusiastic applicants who are willing to verify their own ideas through experiments that are planned and implemented by themselves, applicants who will be able to participate in a group study in a cooperative manner and to play a role responsibly, and applicants with high research ethics.


Applicants are required to have the following experience:
(a) Planning their own experiments and collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data independently;
(b) Using electromagnetic field simulators, structural analysis simulators, or thermal analysis simulators;
(c) Programming;
(d) Designing and fabricating electronic circuits;

Ratios（Project Contribution）

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

The applicant will be trained through collaborative work with researchers of the research group of the space power and will study a micropower grid using wireless power transmission (WPT) under the supervisor's guidance.

Based on these activities, we expect that the applicant will conduct development of WPT systems for lunar and planetary exploration and utilization.

Also, the applicant is expected to participate in and contribute to the seminar and workshops in the related community.
The following instruments can be used. Digital oscilloscope and real-time signal analyzer up to 6 GHz, RF measurement systems up to X band, simulators (CST, NASTRAN, Thermal desktop), test equipment of power system, vacuum chamber with temperature control plate.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

Research Supervisor:
JAXA ISAS Department of Spacecraft engineering Associate Professor Hiroyuki TOYOTA

 

Prospective mentor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Spacecraft engineering Associate Professor Hiroyuki TOYOTA

JAXA ISAS Department of Spacecraft engineering Associate Professor Koji TANAKA



Location

JAXA Sagamihara Campus 

 

<Scope of change> If the organization conducts telework regularly, the location; if the location of work changes due to organizational reorganization, the location determined by the organization

Department

JAXA ISAS　Department of Spacecraft engineering

 

Employment，benefits

*Before applying, please be sure to read the [JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate  (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) Recruitment Page].

 

3years

・Contract of employment will be concluded each fiscal year.
・Applicants will not be hired as a permanent employee after the term of service.
・Employment period may be extended up to 3 years for the longest, in consideration of research evaluation every fiscal year.

・Annual Income
　Approximately JPY 5,900,000

　* May change due to the recommendation by the Natl. Personnel Authority.
・Benefits
　Commuting, Housing, Achievement, Year-end allowances.
・Research funding
　Researcher may receive research funding specific to such individual.(However, this depends on the budget.)

Closing Date

August 26(Wed), 2026 17:00(JST)
* Closing Date is mandatory.
* Please note that you are not able to pre-apply during 1a.m.~5a.m.(JST) on the third Thursday of each month due to regular system maintenance. Thank you for avoiding the certain time.

Selection Schedule

The result of the first selection will be announced by the Middle-Late September, 2026.(Scheduled to be held around September 24th)

Online Interview: Middle-October, 2026.(Scheduled to be held around October 16th)

* On the day of the event, you will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on your research plan and future career vision. Those who have passed the document screening will need to send the above presentation materials (PDF) by the interview date.

* Schedule is subject to change.

Attached document

 Please check the JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate Recruitment page "Required Documents" of ISAS carefully before applying.

  

"FORM 2 Letter of Recommendation" (in PDF)

 

Letter of Recommendation must be attached by the applicant or sent by the recommender by email ( " isas-hrtask*ml.jaxa.jp ". Please change * to @)

If you do not send a Letter of Recommendation, your application will be invalid.

Contact information

Please enter "JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate Recruitment" in the subject line and send.

Please refrain from making inquiries other than those related to recruitment.

 

■For specific inquiries about the research theme;

 ISAS Department of Spacecraft engineering Hiroyuki TOYOTA: toyota.hiroyuki＊jaxa.jp

 ISAS Department of Spacecraft engineering Koji TANAKA: tanaka.koji＊jaxa.jp

   

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

 

Please change * to @ above.