The age of space development has shifted from a state-led era to one in which private companies play a leading role. It is important for Japan to utilize the private sector to keep pace with global trends.
The government has compiled the Basic Plan for Space Policy as a guideline for future space policy. Currently, the Japanese space industry is an about 1 trillion yen market, but the government is aiming for double that in the early 2030s.
Until now, the state has been responsible for space development, which costs a lot of money. With the cost of launching rockets decreasing in recent years, businesses that use small satellites for communications and big data analysis are thought to be promising. It is necessary to nurture new markets by incorporating such technologies as autonomous driving.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has outsourced the transportation of supplies and personnel to the private sector since the retirement of the space shuttles. In May, SpaceX successfully sent two astronauts to the International Space Station on its own spacecraft.
This marked a major turning point to review the roles of the government and the private sector, and utilize the latter for space development more than before.
Startups such as Interstellar Technologies Inc. of Hokkaido, which is attempting to launch a rocket, and Space One Co., which is currently building a launch pad in Wakayama Prefecture, are attracting attention in Japan. The government should encourage new entrants and support the growth of the business.
The basic plan also stipulates that Japan will participate in the Artemis program, a U.S. project to send astronauts to the moon. In the late 2020s, Japanese astronauts may stand on the moon for the first time.
Competition over the natural resources on the moon is expected. Japan should use the Artemis project as a foothold to join the competition, to expand the possibilities for the development of natural resources.
Through its involvement in the operation of the ISS, Japan has sent Japanese astronauts into space and acquired know-how. By participating in the project, Japan should demonstrate its international presence in space development.
China is stepping up its efforts be a "power" in space development. It has embarked on the construction of the ISS and exploration of the moon. Space has become the stage for a supremacy race between the United States and China.
Space development is also closely related to military affairs. The basic plan calls for strengthening national security, including the development of technologies for satellites capable of detecting missiles. The government plans to strengthen cooperation with the United States in space surveillance, apparently with an eye on China's recent experiments in destroying satellites.
The situation involving space is rapidly changing. Technological progress is also remarkable. A long-term strategy that can respond appropriately to the changing times is essential for the government.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 19, 2020.
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