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Lunar Probe "SORATO" Heading for the launch site!
KDDI, the official partner of the Japanese team "HAKUTO" competing in the world's first lunar exploration race, the "Google Lunar XPRIZE," held a send-off event for the "au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE" at the Japan Airlines hangar at Narita Airport on December 19.
This race is the first-ever international lunar exploration competition in human history. The mission requires landing a privately developed robotic explorer (rover) on the moon, moving it at least 500 meters from the landing site, and then transmitting high-resolution video and still image data back to Earth. The team that accomplishes this fastest wins the $20 million (approximately ¥2.2 billion) prize.
On this day, HAKUTO's rover "SORATO" was scheduled to be airlifted to the launch site in India via Japan Airlines, prompting the gathering of related parties for the send-off ceremony. SORATO aims to complete its mission by the race deadline of the end of March 2018.
KDDI has been an official partner of HAKUTO since March 2016, leveraging its accumulated technology to fully support the project, including development and operation in the field of communication technology.
Takaaki Yamada, Head of the Communications Division, expressed his deep emotions: "This challenging endeavor has reached a major milestone today. SORATO is finally heading to India." He added, "SORATO will journey to the moon carrying everyone's passionate aspirations. We believe in the project's success and will continue to support and energize it with all our strength until the very end."
In addition to KDDI, executives from HAKUTO's corporate partners—Japan Airlines, IHI, Intermestic, Recruit Technologies, Suzuki, and Cemedine—attended the send-off ceremony and shared their thoughts on SORATO taking its first step toward the moon.
HAKUTO representative Takeshi Hakamada expressed his determination: "The launch is finally here. We aim to win!" He added, "We've operated under the motto 'Making Dreams a Reality.' We will continue striving to ensure the rover runs reliably on the lunar surface, so please support us."
At the cargo acceptance ceremony, Japan Airlines cabin attendants attached special priority tags to the case containing the rover, completing preparations for departure.
Actress Rina Kawaei, who plays Orihime in the "Santaro CM" commercials, rushed to the venue wearing her CM costume. She presented Representative Hakamada with a specially made good luck charm bearing her handwritten message: "Enjoy." She offered a powerful cheer: "Enjoying yourself is the most important thing, no matter what. I believe you can succeed. All of Japan is rooting for you." HAKUTO Official Website:
https://team-hakuto.jp/
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