A rendition of the satellite carrying the Jotenin Gounji space temple (Provided by Terra Space Inc.)
KYOTO Daigoji temple here plans to let worshippers pray for world peace from the heavens through a “space temple” scheduled for launch in 2023.
Daigoji temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, and satellite developer Terra Space Inc., also based in Kyoto, are jointly planning the project.
The first trial “space Buddhist memorial services” were held at the temple on Feb. 8.
For the actual journey to space, a Buddha statue of Dainichi Nyorai and Mandala paintings will be enshrined in a satellite measuring 20 centimeters in length, 30 cm in width and 10 cm in depth, according to the plan.