Plans for the first Japanese astronaut to land on the moon as part of the Artemis Project being promoted by the United States are expected to get a boost from the Artemis Accords, the first international framework for lunar exploration, as are private companies' efforts to search for resources on the moon.
The accords stipulate the basic rules for lunar exploration. The Japanese government has decided to sign, along with the United States, Britain and Canada.
The moon is once again attracting attention as a permanent base for space development and a relay station on the way to distant astral bodies such as Mars. Plenty of water is believed to be available for rocket fuel and drinking water to be used at a base where people would live.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is aiming for Japanese astronauts to land on the moon using U.S. spacecraft as early as the late 2020s.
Private companies have also made vigorous efforts to be involved in exploration on the moon. The startup company ispace Inc. is planning to explore natural resources such as water and is developing its own space rover and landing craft.
Toyota Motor Corp. and JAXA are jointly developing the Luna Cruiser, a manned rover to search for water and other resources, and are hoping to launch it in the late 2020s.
A lack of clear international rules on lunar exploration and resource management has been a problem. The Artemis Accords have paved the way for its signatory countries to readily conduct moon exploration activities, as they will be granted the right to extract the moon's resources and will not interfere with each other's activities.
However, there are concerns that the accords, which were signed by only a limited number of nations, may not be sufficient.
"It is necessary to establish domestic laws that provide legal support for the private sector to conduct operations in space without concern," said Gakushuin Univeristy Prof. Soichiro Kozuka, an expert on space-related laws.
A bill initiated by suprapartisan lawmakers is planned to be submitted to the next extraordinary Diet session. The aim is meant to officially stipulate companies' rights to extract or possess moon resources so that the private sector is encouraged to start space development businesses.
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