ARC-Space is a space informatics research center at the University of Aizu, established in fiscal year 2019. Its work builds on the university’s expertise in advanced informatics and researchers’ experience operating and developing optical instruments for deep-space exploration. The center focuses on geoinformatics and geographic information systems, deep-space missions such as Hayabusa2’s exploration of asteroid Ryugu, and tools that support space exploration.

In April 2019, ARC-Space was designated by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a joint-use and research center for the Center for Lunar and Planetary Exploration Archive Science. Its activities include joint research and meetings, workshops on exploration data, and the development or coordination of research tools and projects. These include HARMONICS, AiGIS, Gekko, Tanpopo, plate_renderer, and COIAS, which is offered in both web and desktop versions.

ARC-Space also shares announcements, research information, and resources with the space science community, and hosts a symposium