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Nakanishi-Chujo Lab
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The lab explores new space systems that combine robotics and satellite technology.
AboutAbout the lab
Advanced space systems opened up by robotics.
The Nakanishi Lab studies new space systems that combine robotics and satellite technology.
The lab works on technologies that assist astronauts or perform tasks in their place, as well as on-orbit servicing technologies for assembly, repair, and debris removal in space.
The lab also conducts research on demonstrating robotics technologies in space using microsatellites.
The lab is led by two faculty members: Professor Hiroki Nakanishi and Associate Professor Toshihiro Chujo.
Key terms
- On-orbit servicing
- Performing tasks such as assembly, inspection and repair, refueling, and debris removal on satellites and other objects orbiting in space
- Space debris
- Space junk that keeps orbiting Earth, such as defunct satellites and rocket fragments
- Solar sail
- A spacecraft that is propelled by catching, on a large thin membrane, the slight pressure produced when sunlight strikes it
NewsLab news
A paper on solar sail orbit control, with a doctoral student as first author, has been published
A joint lab information session was held for students hoping to be assigned to a lab or go on to graduate school
A lab information session was held for students hoping to be assigned to a lab or enter graduate school
ResearchResearch themes
The lab explores new space systems that fuse robotics and satellite technology. Its work includes technologies that assist or replace astronauts, on-orbit servicing technologies such as assembly, repair, and debris removal, and robotics demonstrations using microsatellites.
*Illustrative imageA Robotic Hand That Grasps with Low Force
This research aims at capturing space debris. To attach a device that removes debris, the lab studies a low-contact-force grasping hand that holds the target while applying only a small force to it.
*Illustrative imageA Device That Captures by Wrapping Around
This research aims at capturing uncooperative objects orbiting in space. The lab studies a mechanism that wraps around its target by applying the property of bending in the direction of contact (thigmotropism).
*Illustrative imageDesigning Spacecraft Trajectories
The lab analyzes the dynamics of various orbits, from around Earth to interplanetary space, and designs trajectories that will be useful for future deep space exploration with micro solar sail spacecraft. It also develops design methods that are robust to spacecraft failures.
*Illustrative imageToward Solar Sails That Need No Propellant
The lab proposes an attitude control method that uses a gimbal to shift the center of mass and reduce the rotational torque generated by solar radiation pressure. It is developing the onboard system for this technology, which will be demonstrated in the PIERIS mission.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Nakanishi-Chujo Lab consist of faculty, secretaries, and doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students.As of 2026
- ProfessorHiroki NakanishiPublications ↗
- Associate ProfessorToshihiro ChujoPublications ↗
VoicesStudent voices
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Canadarm2 during Expedition 62 (ISS062-E-055099)” NASA / Public domain (cropped)
- A Robotic Hand That Grasps with Low Force: “Debris-GEO1280” NASA image / Public domain (cropped)
- A Device That Captures by Wrapping Around: “ISS-50 Canadarm2 with Dextre robot (ISS050-E-029710, crop)” NASA / Public domain (cropped)
- Designing Spacecraft Trajectories: “Earth and Moon - GPN” NASA/JPL / Public domain (cropped)
- Toward Solar Sails That Need No Propellant: “Solar sail tests” NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (河本研究室): “Debris-GEO1280” NASA image / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (三浦研究室): “WBAMC first in DoD to use robot for surgery 160426-A-EK666-526” Marcy Sanchez / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (高橋研究室): “Rice terraces, Yamakoshi, Niigata” yoshi s / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (八木研究室): “Axons Al Dente” MikeRoscopy / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
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