A Tiny Robot Journey to the Moon — A Special Night with SORA-Q*
A Report from the Forefront of Space Exploration at the Osaka-Kansai Expo

On July 20, 2025—International Moon Day—the JAXA exhibition booth at the Osaka-Kansai Expo hosted a Special Talk Session titled “Standing on the Moon. And Beyond...”, offering visitors a chance to experience the wonders of space exploration firsthand. One of the highlights was the hands-on experience with the flagship model of the transformable lunar robot (Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2 (LEV-2), nicknamed SORA-Q), which had successfully landed on the Moon. This palm-sized robot served as a bridge between space and humanity.

Part 1: Encountering the Explorers of Tomorrow at the Exhibition Booth

Upon entering the JAXA booth, visitors were greeted by the engineering model of SORA-Q that had landed on the Moon alongside the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). Its ability to transform, move, and take photographs resembled a scene straight out of a science fiction film. The booth featured detailed technical panels and video content, captivating audiences of all ages—from children to adults.

*The transformable lunar robot (LEV-2), with the nickname “SORA-Q” was jointly developed by JAXA, TOMY, Sony Group Corporation, and Doshisha University, utilizing JAXA’s Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center’s research proposal framework.

Part 2: Behind the Scenes of SLIM’s Lunar Landing — Professors Share the Keys to Success and Future Prospects

In January 2024, the SLIM achieved the world’s first pinpoint landing on the Moon. During the talk session, Professor SAKAI Shinichiro (former SLIM Project Manager at JAXA) and Professor WATANABE Kimitaka(Doshisha University, formerly of TOMY), who led the development of SORA-Q, took the stage. The session was moderated by film director KOSAKA Hiroaki who produced the video experience “Space Theater” at the booth. Prof. Sakai reflected on SLIM’s landing, saying, “It was a 20-minute event that tested the results of 20 years of preparation.” He emphasized how seriously the team addressed the slight deviation in the landing point and how their thorough investigation laid the foundation for future space development. Prof. Watanabe explained SORA-Q’s design philosophy: “No matter the conditions on the lunar surface, it must always be able to get back up and move forward.” He introduced the robot’s unique transformation mechanism inspired by sea turtle movements and spoke about the photo SORA-Q took of SLIM on the Moon: “It was a shot that SORA-Q itself judged to be worth sending back to Earth,” highlighting the robot’s autonomy and technological advancement. Visitors shared that hearing directly from the developers gave them a sense of being present at the lunar exploration site, making the challenges of SLIM and SORA-Q feel more tangible and inspiring.

Exploring the Moon Together — A Hands-on Workshop with the SORA-Q Flagship Model
A Shared Lunar Experience That Brought Everyone Closer

In the evening session, visitors with numbered tickets participated in a hands-on experience operating the SORA-Q flagship model. Divided into three groups, participants were guided by Prof. Watanabe, Mr. KUSHIKI Kenichi (former SLIM Project Sub-Manager, now Deputy Director of the Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center), and other staff members from the Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center. Participants took on the challenge of deploying, driving, navigating obstacles, and taking photos with SORA-Q. With Prof. Watanabe’s clear explanations and technical advice, they immersed themselves in the experience, operating the robot with focused expressions as if they were part of a real lunar mission. During the session, Mr. Kushiki shared a message: “Fifty years from now, what will humanity be doing on the Moon? I hope this experience inspires you to imagine the future of lunar exploration and the bases we might build there.” The workshop was filled with smiles, applause for successful operations, and lively exchanges among participants. It became a moment where people of all generations and backgrounds connected through their shared fascination with space and the Moon.

Through Children’s Eyes, the Universe Begins to Shine“It was so much fun!” — A Joyful Step Toward the Future

Many children and families attended the event during summer vacation. The SORA-Q operation experience became an unforgettable memory, with participants smiling and taking commemorative photos afterward. Voices of excitement—“The robot really moved!” “Is this what the Moon is like?”—echoed throughout the venue, marking moments when curiosity about space began to bloom. The messages from Deputy Director Kushiki and Prof. Watanabe resonated deeply with participants, making the dream of space development feel closer and more attainable.

In Closing

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the visitors who, through this event, engaged with the inspiring challenges of SORA-Q and SLIM, nurtured their curiosity for space exploration.

— From all of us at JAXA Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center

A Tiny Robot Journey to the Moon — A Special Night with SORA-Q* A Report from the Forefront of Space Exploration at the Osaka-Kansai Expo