{"id":2114,"date":"2026-10-09T08:39:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T23:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/127.0.0.1\/?page_id=2114"},"modified":"2026-10-11T01:25:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T16:25:46","slug":"education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.miyamoto-lab.com\/en\/education\/","title":{"rendered":"Education & teaching materials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the foundations of planetary science to instruments, experiments and data analysis, we connect classroom learning with the experience of asking and testing questions. These examples draw on our 2026 lecture and project materials.<\/p>\n\n\n

Space resources and planetary geology<\/h2>\n\n\n

Space-resources teaching connects planetary science, exploration and utilisation technologies, economics and institutions. Planetary geology develops the foundations for reading the history of a surface from images and landforms. Understanding a phenomenon and constructing an explanation are both central to the learning process.<\/p>\n\n\n

Project topics for learning through investigation<\/h2>\n\n\n

The following topics appear in the 2026 introductory project materials. Activities are adjusted to the progress of each course or research project.<\/p>\n\n\n

01 \/ Find features in exploration images<\/h3>\n\n\n

Identify craters and boulders in images and compare their shapes and distributions. Check image-analysis and machine-learning outputs against observations, and consider what these features suggest about surface history.<\/p>\n\n\n

02 \/ Explore a lunar instrument through models and experiments<\/h3>\n\n\n

Use LDA as a case study to investigate measurement principles and instrument design. Models and simulants support discussion of the instrument, while considering astronaut operations adds questions about deployment and handling.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Concept
Concept diagram of the LDA contact sensor. From the 2026 LDA presentation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

International learning and research exchange<\/h2>\n\n\n

International research creates opportunities for learning through discussion and shared work. Students encounter real exploration missions while working with researchers from different disciplines and research cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n

LDA development with NASA<\/h3>\n\n\n

We develop LDA under a direct contract with NASA. Miyamoto visits NASA almost every month in connection with the instrument\u2019s development, while NASA researchers and engineers also visit our laboratory. This continuing exchange connects day-to-day research with mission development.<\/p>\n\n\n

Sustained teaching and research exchange with Adelaide University<\/h3>\n\n\n

Miyamoto also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Adelaide University and taught the Small Bodies component of Space Resources Fundamentals in each year from 2022 to 2025. Angel Abbud-Madrid and TJ Chin have also contributed as instructors. Visits and lectures by Adelaide University researchers at UTokyo make this a continuing, two-way exchange in education and research.<\/p>\n\n\n

Beyond the doctorate: Tomohiro Takemura at Adelaide University<\/h3>\n\n\n

After completing his doctorate in the Miyamoto Laboratory, Tomohiro Takemura undertook postdoctoral research in the Lunar Geotechnics group of the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR), Adelaide University. His work on lunar ground and regolith provides a concrete example of an early-career researcher developing a research career overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n

CACE presentation on education and researcher exchange \u2197<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

From collaboration with Mines to the CACE network<\/h3>\n\n\n

Instrument collaboration and reciprocal visits with Colorado School of Mines are part of our international research relationships. Through CSRI, we also participate in exchanges connecting the four CACE centres, creating opportunities to share knowledge with researchers and students overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n

Researcher exchange through CACE \u2197<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

CACE education at Komaba: learning about space resources<\/h3>\n\n\n

Space resources lectures at UTokyo\u2019s Komaba Campus form part of CACE\u2019s educational collaboration through CSRI. Researchers from partner centres bring their expertise into the undergraduate classroom, connecting students with current research in space resources.<\/p>\n\n\n

John Culton from Adelaide University is scheduled to lecture on 19 October 2026, followed by Angel Abbud-Madrid from Colorado School of Mines on 25 November. Both are also scheduled to attend SRI-III in person on 26\u201327 November, linking international research dialogue with teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n

CACE education \u2197<\/a> \/ SRI-III information \u2197<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

MMX and visiting researchers in Tokyo<\/h3>\n\n\n

Researchers involved in MMX regularly visit Tokyo, and our students participate in MMX research. Global Fellow Patrick Michel also visits frequently as a member of the laboratory, supporting continuing collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n

Connecting science, instruments and mission operations<\/h3>\n\n\n

At SRI-II, JAOPS co-founder Louis Burtz presented work on lunar rover operations and mission-control tools. Such exchanges bring universities, research organisations and companies together to discuss science, technology and policy, connecting exploration science and instrument development with operations.<\/p>\n\n\n

SRI-II public programme \u2197<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Japan\u2013Australia
Japan\u2013Australia exchange in space-resources education and research. From the June 2026 presentation reviewing activities in 2022\u20132025.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Teaching archive<\/h2>\n\n\n

Existing course and exercise pages are retained in their original language, primarily Japanese. Course-restricted pages retain their password protection. Please check the date and academic year on each resource.<\/p>\n\n