In-space experiments using mammals are one of the life science fields where researchers are
in high demand. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed Japan's first in-space
mouse habitat unit in accordance with a contract concluded with the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA), based on the outcomes of existing internal research and development. This unit
was used for the mouse-rearing experiment conducted on board the "KIBO" Japanese Experiment
Module (JEM) for the International Space Station (ISS) from July to August 2016, in which all the
mice were successfully returned to the ground alive. The alive return of all the experimental mice
to the ground after a long-term stay in space was the first such successful mission ever recorded.
This report provides an overview and the outcomes of our newly-developed mouse habitat unit and
its mission in space.
