Torrance, CA – March 31, 2025 – GITAI, a U.S.-headquartered space robotics company, announced that its Japanese subsidiary, GITAI Japan Inc., has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a concept study for a robotic arm system intended for use on a pressurized crewed lunar rover. This rover is part of Japan’s contribution to the Artemis program and is designed to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon’s polar regions.
The objective of this study is to define the design and specifications for a robotic arm system capable of supporting lunar science operations primarily during uncrewed periods, while also providing support during crewed missions when needed. The arm will be tasked with performing a range of mission-critical operations, including regolith excavation, rock and soil sample collection, unloading, handling and installation of large payloads such as scientific instruments and observation equipment. It will also enable science activities through both remote and autonomous control capabilities. These functions are expected to significantly expand the scope and duration of lunar surface research.
This contract builds upon GITAI’s strong track record in developing and demonstrating advanced space robotics technologies. Notable achievements include:
ISS Demonstrations: Successful technical demonstrations of GITAI’s robotic arms both inside and outside the International Space Station (ISS), performing autonomous structure assembly and maintenance tasks.
This concept study represents a significant step forward in enabling autonomous and remote-controlled lunar science operations and supporting sustained exploration through robotic labor on the Moon.
For more information about this groundbreaking project and our future plans for lunar exploration, please visit gitai.tech.
About GITAI GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary) CEO: Sho Nakanose URL: https://gitai.tech/ Contact Us: info@gitai.tech
https://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GITAI_Lunar_Inchworm_Type_RoboticArm-1024x631-1.png6311024IshidaSeiyahttps://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gitai-logo.svgIshidaSeiya2025-03-31 16:00:532026-05-04 12:23:48GITAI Awarded JAXA Contract for Concept Study of Robotic Arm for Crewed Pressurized Lunar Rover
TORRANCE, Calif. – (Jan 27, 2025) — GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI), the world’s leading space robotics startup, is excited to announce the successful launch and full mission success of its in-house developed 16U-sized satellite. The satellite was launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 at 3:34 AM (PST) on December 21, 2024. The mission achieved “Full Success” by meeting all three predefined success criteria for the satellite’s technical verification.
Revolutionizing Space Operations: GITAI’s Mission
To achieve its goal of reducing the cost of space operations by 100 times, GITAI is developing cutting-edge technologies, including robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar robotic rovers for infrastructure construction, and inchworm-type robotic arms capable of operating in both domains. All of these technologies are developed entirely in-house.
Since its inception, GITAI has established a robust system for the in-house production of space-grade robotic systems. This includes the development of a robotic arm that achieved full mission success during demonstrations inside the ISS in 2021 and outside the ISS in 2024.
In January 2024, GITAI expanded its focus to include the in-house development of satellite technology, including major components, to enable comprehensive on-orbit services. As part of this effort, the company developed and successfully launched its first satellite demonstration, the 16U-sized SC1, at 3:34 AM (PST) on December 21, 2024, via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rideshare mission (Bandwagon 2).
Mission Accomplishment: Full Success
The satellite demonstration achieved “Full Success” by meeting all three of the following success criteria:
1. Reliable Communication: Establishing reliable communication between the GITAI satellite and the Mission Control Center at GITAI’s Torrance, California office.
2. System Functionality: Confirming the proper functionality of all onboard sensors, actuators, and computers, including attitude control via reaction wheels and orbital maneuvers using propulsion systems.
3. Data Acquisition: Successfully capturing and transmitting image and video data from the satellite.
Key Outcomes of the Demonstration
Through the successful development and demonstration of the 16U satellite, GITAI has acquired the following key capabilities:
1. Capability to Develop Robotic Satellites for On-Orbit Services
With the success of this satellite demonstration, combined with the 2024 robotic arm demonstration outside the ISS, GITAI has proven its ability to develop satellites equipped with robotic arms for on-orbit services. This milestone positions GITAI to provide cost-effective and efficient on-orbit services to U.S. government agencies and private sector clients.
Looking ahead, GITAI plans to demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities in its upcoming Space Demonstration Experiment (S3) in 2026. This mission will involve a 500kg-class satellite equipped with a robotic arm and a target satellite, further validating GITAI’s on-orbit service capabilities.
2. Capability to Develop and Sell Space-Qualified Satellite Bus Components (TRL-9)
The successful demonstration of the SC1 satellite has validated GITAI’s ability to develop and produce space-qualified (TRL-9) satellite bus components in-house. These components will not only support GITAI’s on-orbit service missions but also be offered to customers for low Earth orbit constellation applications. Although some components of the SC1 satellite were procured externally, GITAI is actively developing high-cost, long-lead-time components in-house, including electric and chemical propulsion systems, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and star trackers. By completing this development by 2025, GITAI aims to further reduce costs, shorten lead times, and enhance profit margins.
3. Capability to Act as a Prime Contractor for Independent Spacecraft
This demonstration establishes GITAI as a prime contractor with end-to-end capabilities, including the design and in-house development of spacecraft, launch coordination, payload delivery, and spacecraft operations from its control center. With these capabilities, GITAI is poised to secure contracts from U.S. government agencies and accelerate its role as a leader in the space robotics industry.
Commitment to the Future
GITAI remains committed to its mission of reducing the cost of space operations by 100 times through continued advancements in in-house development and its efforts to deliver on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction solutions.
For more information about this groundbreaking project and our future plans for lunar exploration, please visit gitai.tech.
About GITAI GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary) CEO: Sho Nakanose URL: https://gitai.tech/ Contact Us: info@gitai.tech
https://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/01_SC1_photo_session-scaled.jpg17102560gitaitechhttps://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gitai-logo.svggitaitech2025-01-27 23:01:322026-05-04 12:24:11GITAI Successfully Completes Space Demonstration of In-House Developed 16U Satellite
TORRANCE, Calif. – (Nov 13, 2024) — GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI), the world’s leading space robotics startup, is pleased to announce that GITAI has raised an additional US$15.5M as part of its Series B Extension round in October 2024. This follows US$30M raised in May 2023 and US$15M raised in August 2023, bringing the total in the Series B Extension round to US$60.5M.
The lead investor in this round is Maezawa Fund Inc., a venture capital fund established and operated by Japanese billionaire entrepreneur and commercial astronaut Yusaku Maezawa.
Yusaku Maezawa commented, “GITAI’s monumental challenge to reduce space development costs by 1/100 holds vast potential to expand the boundaries of our future. Achieving this will bring space closer to our daily lives and business, transforming it into a more accessible domain. We are genuinely excited to support GITAI in pioneering this new frontier.”
To reduce the cost of space operations by 100 times, GITAI is developing robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar robotic rovers for infrastructure construction, and inchworm-type robotic arms that can be used in both areas. All of these technologies are being developed in-house.
With this additional funding, GITAI aims to further advance on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction in the U.S. space and defense market and will continue to pursue reducing the cost of space operations by 1/100th of the current cost.
List of Investors in this Funding Round:
Existing Investors:
MSIVC 2023V Venture Capital Investment Limited Partnership (Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital Co., Ltd.)
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Ⅸ, Limited Partnership (Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd.)
Green Co-Invest Investment Limited Partnership
New Investors:
Maezawa Fund Inc. (Venture capital fund of Japanese billionaire entrepreneur and commercial astronaut Yusaku Maezawa)
GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact
Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary) CEO: Sho Nakanose URL: https://gitai.tech/ Contact Us: info@gitai.tech
https://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/01_S2robot_small.jpg10051280gitaitechhttps://gitai.tech/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gitai-logo.svggitaitech2024-11-13 22:59:182026-05-04 12:25:31GITAI Raises an Additional US$15.5 Million in Funding
GITAI Awarded JAXA Contract for Concept Study of Robotic Arm for Crewed Pressurized Lunar Rover
NEWSTorrance, CA – March 31, 2025 – GITAI, a U.S.-headquartered space robotics company, announced that its Japanese subsidiary, GITAI Japan Inc., has been awarded a contract by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct a concept study for a robotic arm system intended for use on a pressurized crewed lunar rover. This rover is part of Japan’s contribution to the Artemis program and is designed to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon’s polar regions.
The objective of this study is to define the design and specifications for a robotic arm system capable of supporting lunar science operations primarily during uncrewed periods, while also providing support during crewed missions when needed. The arm will be tasked with performing a range of mission-critical operations, including regolith excavation, rock and soil sample collection, unloading, handling and installation of large payloads such as scientific instruments and observation equipment. It will also enable science activities through both remote and autonomous control capabilities. These functions are expected to significantly expand the scope and duration of lunar surface research.
This contract builds upon GITAI’s strong track record in developing and demonstrating advanced space robotics technologies. Notable achievements include:
This concept study represents a significant step forward in enabling autonomous and remote-controlled lunar science operations and supporting sustained exploration through robotic labor on the Moon.
For more information about this groundbreaking project and our future plans for lunar exploration, please visit gitai.tech.
< Press Kit >
About GITAI
GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact
Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary)
CEO: Sho Nakanose
URL: https://gitai.tech/
Contact Us: info@gitai.tech
GITAI Successfully Completes Space Demonstration of In-House Developed 16U Satellite
NEWSTORRANCE, Calif. – (Jan 27, 2025) — GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI), the world’s leading space robotics startup, is excited to announce the successful launch and full mission success of its in-house developed 16U-sized satellite. The satellite was launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 at 3:34 AM (PST) on December 21, 2024. The mission achieved “Full Success” by meeting all three predefined success criteria for the satellite’s technical verification.
Revolutionizing Space Operations: GITAI’s Mission
To achieve its goal of reducing the cost of space operations by 100 times, GITAI is developing cutting-edge technologies, including robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar robotic rovers for infrastructure construction, and inchworm-type robotic arms capable of operating in both domains. All of these technologies are developed entirely in-house.
Since its inception, GITAI has established a robust system for the in-house production of space-grade robotic systems. This includes the development of a robotic arm that achieved full mission success during demonstrations inside the ISS in 2021 and outside the ISS in 2024.
In January 2024, GITAI expanded its focus to include the in-house development of satellite technology, including major components, to enable comprehensive on-orbit services. As part of this effort, the company developed and successfully launched its first satellite demonstration, the 16U-sized SC1, at 3:34 AM (PST) on December 21, 2024, via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rideshare mission (Bandwagon 2).
Mission Accomplishment: Full Success
The satellite demonstration achieved “Full Success” by meeting all three of the following success criteria:
1. Reliable Communication: Establishing reliable communication between the GITAI satellite and the Mission Control Center at GITAI’s Torrance, California office.
2. System Functionality: Confirming the proper functionality of all onboard sensors, actuators, and computers, including attitude control via reaction wheels and orbital maneuvers using propulsion systems.
3. Data Acquisition: Successfully capturing and transmitting image and video data from the satellite.
Key Outcomes of the Demonstration
Through the successful development and demonstration of the 16U satellite, GITAI has acquired the following key capabilities:
1. Capability to Develop Robotic Satellites for On-Orbit Services
With the success of this satellite demonstration, combined with the 2024 robotic arm demonstration outside the ISS, GITAI has proven its ability to develop satellites equipped with robotic arms for on-orbit services. This milestone positions GITAI to provide cost-effective and efficient on-orbit services to U.S. government agencies and private sector clients.
Looking ahead, GITAI plans to demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities in its upcoming Space Demonstration Experiment (S3) in 2026. This mission will involve a 500kg-class satellite equipped with a robotic arm and a target satellite, further validating GITAI’s on-orbit service capabilities.
2. Capability to Develop and Sell Space-Qualified Satellite Bus Components (TRL-9)
The successful demonstration of the SC1 satellite has validated GITAI’s ability to develop and produce space-qualified (TRL-9) satellite bus components in-house. These components will not only support GITAI’s on-orbit service missions but also be offered to customers for low Earth orbit constellation applications. Although some components of the SC1 satellite were procured externally, GITAI is actively developing high-cost, long-lead-time components in-house, including electric and chemical propulsion systems, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and star trackers. By completing this development by 2025, GITAI aims to further reduce costs, shorten lead times, and enhance profit margins.
3. Capability to Act as a Prime Contractor for Independent Spacecraft
This demonstration establishes GITAI as a prime contractor with end-to-end capabilities, including the design and in-house development of spacecraft, launch coordination, payload delivery, and spacecraft operations from its control center. With these capabilities, GITAI is poised to secure contracts from U.S. government agencies and accelerate its role as a leader in the space robotics industry.
Commitment to the Future
GITAI remains committed to its mission of reducing the cost of space operations by 100 times through continued advancements in in-house development and its efforts to deliver on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction solutions.
For more information about this groundbreaking project and our future plans for lunar exploration, please visit gitai.tech.
< Press Kit >
About GITAI
GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact
Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary)
CEO: Sho Nakanose
URL: https://gitai.tech/
Contact Us: info@gitai.tech
GITAI Raises an Additional US$15.5 Million in Funding
NEWSTORRANCE, Calif. – (Nov 13, 2024) — GITAI USA Inc. (GITAI), the world’s leading space robotics startup, is pleased to announce that GITAI has raised an additional US$15.5M as part of its Series B Extension round in October 2024. This follows US$30M raised in May 2023 and US$15M raised in August 2023, bringing the total in the Series B Extension round to US$60.5M.
The lead investor in this round is Maezawa Fund Inc., a venture capital fund established and operated by Japanese billionaire entrepreneur and commercial astronaut Yusaku Maezawa.
Yusaku Maezawa commented, “GITAI’s monumental challenge to reduce space development costs by 1/100 holds vast potential to expand the boundaries of our future. Achieving this will bring space closer to our daily lives and business, transforming it into a more accessible domain. We are genuinely excited to support GITAI in pioneering this new frontier.”
To reduce the cost of space operations by 100 times, GITAI is developing robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar robotic rovers for infrastructure construction, and inchworm-type robotic arms that can be used in both areas. All of these technologies are being developed in-house.
In late 2023, GITAI relocated its headquarters from Japan to the United States, with all non-U.S. national management team members obtaining permanent resident status, officially establishing GITAI as a U.S.-based company. Since then, we have expanded our space robotics business and production capabilities in the U.S. space and defense market, achieving key milestones such as selection for NASA SBIR, orders from DARPA, a successful technology demonstration outside the ISS, AS9100 and NIST SP800-171 certifications, and the expansion of our headquarters and production facilities.
With this additional funding, GITAI aims to further advance on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction in the U.S. space and defense market and will continue to pursue reducing the cost of space operations by 1/100th of the current cost.
List of Investors in this Funding Round:
Existing Investors:
New Investors:
For more information about this groundbreaking project and our future plans for lunar exploration, please visit gitai.tech.
< Press Kit >
About GITAI
GITAI aims to reduce the cost of labor in space by 100 times, thereby providing a safe and affordable means of work in space. GITAI operates in two business areas: on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction. For more on GITAI’s products, services, and upcoming missions, visit gitai.tech.
Media Contact
Company: GITAI USA Inc. (Headquarters) / GITAI Japan, Inc. (Japan Subsidiary)
CEO: Sho Nakanose
URL: https://gitai.tech/
Contact Us: info@gitai.tech