Keynotes
Monday, December 1, 14:00 - 15:00, Main Hall
Biography
Dr James Carpenter is Head of the Lunar Science Office in the European Space Agency's Directorate of Lunar and Robotic Exploration. A physicist by training, with a background in space science instrumentation and technology, he has been working on science and exploration missions and technologies since 2002. James has been working with ESA on exploration Missons for Moon and Mars with ESA since 2008. His activities have spanned fundamental and applied science, strategy development and space resources. Highlights have included the Bepi Colombo to Mercury, the PROSPECT resources exploration package for the Moon and supporting the growth of space resources as a field of study and technology development. It is James' aim to use science and technology to establish the peaceful use of the Solar System for the benefit of humans everywhere. The first use space resources, the establishment of a lunar base, and the creation of an international far side astronomical observatory are milestones he aims to help happen.
Dr. James Carpenter
ESA Moon Head scientist, ESA
Science and Robots on a 2040s Moon
The Moon is a unique platform for scientific research, a potential source of resources, and the place where we will learn to explore the Solar System. The missions of this decade will prepare the way by characterising the Moon, finding the places we want to go, and proving the capabilities what we will need. The following decade will see the establishment of infrastructure on the Moon to enable unprecedented scientific discovery and to learn how to access and use the resources we find there. While the details of the future remain uncertain the major scientific opportunities are well understood. We can foresee the roles that robots are likely to have. We can take steps now to prepare, bringing together robotics and scientific users to create visions of what we can accomplish and to show through real world activities how they can be made real.
Tuesday, December 2, 09:00 - 10:00, Main Hall
Dr. Carl "Glen" Henshaw
Senior Scientist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Biography
Dr. Glen Henshaw is the U.S. Naval Research Lab’s Senior Scientist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems and the chief roboticist for DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program. He has been instrumental in developing the technology, concepts of operations, and use cases for robotic satellite servicing for the US Department of Defense. His research interests include robotic motor learning, nonlinear controls, robotic kinematics and dynamics, and robotic satellite servicing concepts and technologies. He received his PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland in 2003.
Why is the US Navy doing Space Robotics? Orbital Robotics Research at the US Naval Research Laboratory
Orbital robots have, for the last several decades, been more aspirational than real. Other than the SRMS and SSRMS systems on the International Space Station, few orbital robots have made it to space. Recently, though, the tide has begun to shift. Among several other systems preparing for launch, DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program is set to reach orbit in 2026. Dr. Henshaw, the RSGS lead roboticist, will discuss the history of the US Naval Research Laboratory’s work in space robotics that led to RSGS, the RSGS mission, the robotic algorithm architecture on which it is based, and NRL’s plans for future satellite servicing, in-space assembly, and orbital debris remediation robots, including NRL’s research areas intended to make future space robots more capable and less expensive. Specifically, NRL is researching the use of reinforcement learning, neuromorphic processing, and tactile sensing to improve the robustness of robotic manipulation.
Wednesday, December 3, 09:00 - 10:00, Main Hall
Mr. Suguru Saito
Deputy Director and Senior Specialist for Space Law, National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office of the Japanese government
Biography
On April 1, 2025, Suguru Saito assumed his current position as Deputy Director and Senior Specialist for Space Law at National Space Policy Secretariat at the Cabinet Office of the Japanese government. He has engaged in various policy areas such as international relations, matters concerning the moon, and the interpretation and amendment of the Space Activities Act and the interpretation of the Space Resources Act of Japan. He has been intensively engaged in space law and intellectual property law since he started his career at TMI Associates, which is one of the biggest law firms in Japan. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of Keio University and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Tokyo School of Law.
Japan's Space Policy Overview: Focusing on Trends in Lunar Development
In recent years, Japan's lunar development activities?driven by close collaboration among industry, government, and academia?have gained remarkable momentum. A notable example was seen in 2023, when the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s small lunar lander, SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon), successfully performed a pinpoint landing with a landing accuracy of less than 100 meters, earning international recognition. At the same time, Japanese private companies are expanding their efforts to create new business opportunities related to the Moon. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has been formulating and implementing a range of policies to promote lunar development. In this keynote, an overview of Japan’s space policy, focusing on current trends in lunar development, will be provided. This includes highlights from Japan’s 5th Basic Plan on Space Policy, the Space Technology Strategy and Space Strategy Fund, and the details of the study on the “Architecture for Lunar Activities” carried out by Japanese experts from industry, government, and academia. This Architecture serves as a foundation for further discussion on lunar activities with a wider range of stakeholders, both domestic and international.
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