Minecraft: There is now a new mod developed by the Japanese space agency

Using real data, the Japanese space agency has recreated the surface of the moon in Minecraft and invites children to explore it

We already know that the huge Minecraft sandbox is not just good for having carefree fun. The game is also ideal for teaching the younger generation about the world  – which, in the best case scenario, is still fun!

Now the Japanese space agency JAXA has unveiled a modification for Minecraft developed in-house that deals with life on the moon. The team uses real data collected by a real satellite for this purpose

Your own moon base

The data for the project comes from a Japanese satellite called Kaguya, which was launched into space back in 2007 to analyze the moon. The aim was to gain new insights into its origin and evolution

Now, however, the agency has also used the information collected to develop a sandbox using Minecraft that sends us to a relatively realistic replica of the lunar surface Here you can explore the so-called Theophilus Crater, which can be found near the center of the moon. The crater is 105 kilometers wide

Once you have landed here, you can explore to your heart’s content or take on a total of seven moon missions. In the course of these missions, players will be taught how and where they can set up their moon base. They will also learn how to grow crops and produce biofuels from them

Of course, you can also set up a mine and dig for resources, or simply cruise around in the moon rover.

Install the correct version

Normally, the Java version is recommended for mods. To play Japan’s moon expansion yourself, you need either Minecraft Bedrock or Minecraft Education. The latter is a special version that has been specially developed for use in schools or universities.

It is particularly suitable for you if you are a teacher or professor and want to impart new knowledge to your students with the help of Minecraft. If you just want to land on the moon for private pleasure, it’s best to use the Bedrock version.