Yoshiyuki Tomino to Write ‘First Message’ for Gunpla That Will Get Launched Into Space

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced in May that it will be working together with the University of Tokyo to launch Gunpla models into space next year to commemorate the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After the satellite launches it will transmit a supportive message as it orbits Earth. Mobile Suit Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino revealed at a press conference on Tuesday that he will write the message that will be transmitted.

The press conference also revealed that the message will be voiced by Amuro and Char’s voice actors Toru Furuya and Shūichi Ikeda. Tomino commented: “I made a message that proclaims the truth clearly. I can’t reveal it here, so I want you to hear the message transmitted from space. You’ll definitely laugh.” He did, however, indicate that the dialogue between Amuro and Char was of a different kind than usual, describing it as a “first” for him. “Normally, you’d imagine Amuro and Char duking it out in their mobile suits, so it was quite tough writing a conversation that veers away from that.”

The project is backed by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Staff at the University of Tokyo will develop an ultra-small “G-SATELLITE” equipped with a Gundam and Char’s Zaku to release into space from the International Space Station’s Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) between March and April 2020.

The G-Satellite will measure 10cm x 10cm x 30cm with a Gundam model mounted on top and a model of Char’s Zaku in the “cockpit” inside. Both Gunpla models are outfitted with special paint and materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. A message board will display greetings near the foot of the Gundam and its eyes will cycle through the five Olympic colors. The satellite will house seven cameras to capture footage of the Gunpla in action.

The G-SATELLITE is part of the larger “One Team Project” designed to invigorate the Tokyo 2020 Games with the cooperation of leading Japanese creators and innovators. The project began working with the creators of the Space Brothers manga in 2017 for the “Uchū kara Tokyo 2020-nen Yell!” (Yell for Tokyo 2020 from Space!) and a tie-in manga project.