ABOUT CSRI
About CSRI
Connecting science, engineering,
the humanities and social sciences.
The Center for Space Resources and Innovation (CSRI) was established at the University of Tokyo on 1 October 2025. It develops space resource studies through research into the scientific, technological and institutional foundations of exploring, collecting and using resources on the Moon and asteroids.
ORGANIZATION
An interdisciplinary research structure
CSRI connects six units of the University of Tokyo, bringing planetary science and resource engineering into dialogue with materials, manufacturing, transport, economics and institutions. Research, education, industry collaboration and international cooperation form a connected programme.
- Materials and resource potential
- Transport and environment
- Manufacturing and utilization
- Institutions and society
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
The people and organisations behind CSRI
Research across disciplines depends on a strong administrative foundation and specialist support. CSRI works closely with its host, the Graduate School of Engineering, and the University’s research and collaboration support organisations.
Host school and administration
Graduate School of Engineering
As CSRI’s host school, the Graduate School of Engineering undertakes accounting, personnel administration and the extensive administrative work associated with research and institutional operations. The sustained efforts of its administrative staff support daily research and the delivery of major projects.
Specialist advice and partnerships
Institute for Open Innovation
The Institute for Open Innovation provides advice and support from multiple perspectives, drawing on expertise in university–industry collaboration, intellectual property and contracts. This support helps CSRI build partnerships that connect research with society.
Research and collaboration support
CERPO, Graduate School of Engineering
CERPO provides substantial support for research projects and collaboration with society and industry, combining specialist advice with practical assistance. CSRI works with CERPO to advance its research and external partnerships.
RESEARCH FOUNDATION / SPACE STRATEGIC FUND
The SX programme:
a foundation for CSRI’s research.
Space Resource Development Centre for Lunar Development
A major programme supporting CSRI’s research and development through funding, facilities and people. Under the Space Strategic Fund’s SX framework, universities and companies work together on exploration, acquisition, extraction, storage, transport and use of space resources.
Lead institution: the University of Tokyo. Principal Investigator: Hideaki Miyamoto. Additional support for shared research infrastructure helps develop experimental and evaluation facilities, industry collaboration and research talent.
Programme support ceiling
3.18billion JPY
Including shared research infrastructure support.
Subject to change following stage-gate reviews and other assessments.
LEADERSHIP
Director
Hideaki “Hirdy” Miyamoto
Professor, Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Professor in the Graduate School of Engineering, specialising in planetary science and space resources. As Director since 2025, he works with participating faculty to advance interdisciplinary research, education, industry collaboration and international cooperation.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
CSRI and international cooperation
CSRI is a research organization at the University of Tokyo. It participates in CACE as one of four founding centres, working with its peers on an equal basis in research and education.
CONTACT
Location and contact
Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Images and materials
The homepage video comes from the current CSRI website. CACE and SRI-II photographs come from the supplied 2026 presentation. LDA concept illustrations and sample photographs are from the 2026 LDA presentation; the test-hardware image is from the May 2026 SX site presentation (© The University of Tokyo); and the education photographs are from the June 2026 Australia–Japan Space Dialogue presentation. CG illustrations depict a concept, not photographs taken on the Moon.