Iwatani Tech Launches "OPEN UNIVERSE PROJECT." Recruitment Begins for Space Tour Passengers, Pilots, and Collaborative Companies.
Iwatani Techno, a space development company aiming for balloon-based space tourism, announced at a press conference held at Ebisu Garden Hall on February 21st the launch of its co-creation project, the Iwatani Techno " OPEN UNIVERSE PROJECT." This initiative aims to realize the "democratization of space," making space accessible to everyone.
The OPEN UNIVERSE PROJECT is centered on Iwatani Tech's technology to realize "space tourism accessible to anyone" via balloons. It aims to pioneer the space industry from Japan through co-creation with partners across various industries, uniting Japan to achieve the "democratization of space" and open space to everyone. With the project's launch, recruitment has begun for space tourism passengers (first phase: limited to 5 people), pilots, and co-creation companies. At the press conference, it was also announced that major travel agency JTB has endorsed the project's vision and become its first co-creation partner.
Since its establishment in 2016, Iwatani Techno has challenged space development using balloons, undertaking projects like the "Balloon Space Project" and "Balloon Space Biology Project." In the summer of 2020, it set "balloon-based space tourism" as its new goal and began fundraising. Since then, based in Sapporo, it has designed and developed high-altitude gas balloons and pressurized cabins, conducting various verification experiments. Commercial balloon space tourism operations are slated to begin as early as fiscal year 2023.
■Project Official Website Here
■OPEN UNIVERSE PROJECT Space Tourism Experience Passenger Recruitment Site
[Message from Iwatani Tech Regarding Partner Recruitment]
Our space tourism initiative is a platform to democratize space access, enabling everyone to experience space through Japan's collective effort. While Iwatani Engineering develops equipment like balloons, we seek domestic companies who share our vision to co-create technologies and services related to space tourism.
Key areas for collaboration currently include: - Developing clothing for comfortable space travel - Developing spaceports, launch sites, and space resorts - Training personnel for the space industry - Developing food, beverages, and amenities to enhance the space tourism experience We aim to energize this project by collaborating with companies from diverse industries who share our vision for the OPEN UNIVERSE PROJECT.
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