The UNESCO World Heritage Daigoji temple in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, announced today its ambitious plans to launch a satellite-sized temple into outer space sometime in 2023. Terra Space , a Kyoto-based firm it established in February last year, is developing the space temple that will be installed a box-shaped satellite measuring 20 centimeters long, 30 centimeters wide and 10 centimeters deep.
Miniature mandala paintings and a statue of the Buddha will be enshrined inside one of the satellite’s compartments, and regular memorial services will be conducted. The project also aims to build a communications network that could be used to help other temples in remote mountainous areas with disaster prevention preparedness.
Daigoji (醍醐寺) is an important temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and a designated world heritage site. The large temple complex stands southeast of central Kyoto and includes an entire mountainside. The main temple grounds are located at the base of the mountain and are connected via a hiking trail to several more temple buildings around the summit.
