Japan's Space Exploration Strategy: An Interim Report from MEXT's ISS Space Exploration Sub Committee

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Timothy Williams
7 years ago
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1 Japan's Space Exploration Strategy: An Interim Report from MEXT's ISS Space Exploration Sub Committee Atsushi Sunami, Ph.D. Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, JAPAN

2 1. Overview ISS ISS participating countries have agreed to continues ISS operation until 2020, and currently international coordination is underway about the way of ISS participation on ISEF January 2014, International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF) involving the Ministers, Head of Space Agency and etc. from each country was held, and then, they exchanged of views on the importance and significance of international space exploration as a post ISS. In this meeting, The US government announced ISS operation extension up to Minister Shimomura, who attended as the Japanese government representative, announced that Japan contributed to future international space exploration proactively and hosted next ISEF(2016 or 2017). MEXT In order to redefine MEXT s view on Japan s participation in the ISS program and international space exploration as post ISS, the International Space Station and International Space Exploration Subcommittee was established to discuss the policy. The scheme for participation in the ISS program after 2016 (including discussion about the extension of ISS operation beyond 2021.) The participation in the international space exploration as post ISS 2

3 Chief Ichiro Fujisaki Former Ambassador to the United States Professor, Chairman of International Strategies, SOPHIA University Sub Chief Atsushi Sunami Professor, The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Sub Chief Kazuo Makishima Chiaki Mukai Kazumi Nishijima Keiko Chino Members of ISS Space Exploration Subcommittee, MEXT Professor, Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo Chair, Steering Committee for Space Science, JAXA Senior Advisor to the JAXA Executive Director Manager, Clinical Department Planning and Management, Mochida Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. Senior Writer, The Yomiuri Shimbun Editorial Bureau Koichi Abe Koichi Yonemoto Miyoko Watanabe Satoshi Tsuzukibashi Yoshiko Kojo Executive Vice President, Toray Industries, Inc. Professor, Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology Senior Director, Japan Science and Technology Agency Director, Industrial Technology Bureau, Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Advanced Social and International Studies, The University of Tokyo 3

4 2.(1) Outcomes achieved through participation in the ISS program (1/2) 1. Acquisition of manned space technologies Japan has acquired and advanced various space technologies that could only be obtained through the ISS program. Through these technologies, Japan reached a high enough technical level to allow it to play a core role in the international human space activities. 2. Spin offs Cargo transportation to the ISS, which amounts to about 2/3 of the annual budget for the ISS (about 24 billion yen: FY2014), has contributed to the reinforcement of Japan s domestic base for its space industry and to the ensuring of Japan s capability for autonomous space activities. The ISS program also has a good track record for the export and spinoff of the related technologies. 4

5 2.(1) Outcomes achieved through participation in the ISS program (2/2) 3. Social benefits from the utilization of the space environment Various research results were achieved through utilization of unique ISS features, such as the micro gravity environment, that could not be produced on the ground; these outcomes include: protein crystal growth that may lead to the development of new drugs, materials creation for next generation semiconductors, and establishment of the technology for cubesats deployment, etc. 4. international presence (international status) Through development and stable operations of the Kibo and Kounotori spacecraft, Japan established its position as an advanced space faring nation. The United States and other ISS participating countries view Japan as a reliable partner, and Japan has formed cooperative relationships with other Asian nations as the only ISS partner from Asia. 5. Inspiration of Young Generations Only those countries that have manned space flight capability can conduct youth development activities with their own astronauts, and such astronaut led activities have aroused the younger generation s interest in outer space, taught them the importance of making efforts to realize their dreams, and contributed to the making of future engineers and scientists for the next generations. 5

6 2. (1)Rationales for Japan s participating in international space exploration (1/2) 1. Expanding the frontier of our exploration and aspiration Expansion of humankind s sphere of activities in this area creates knowledge of planetary science and the quest of life, and also contributes to the increase and accumulation of intellectual assets of all human beings. 2. Science & Technology and Innovation The development of S&T and innovation will produce breakthroughs in new technologies, bring about major changes in socio economic activities, and develop space technology in Japan. 3. Impact on industry and society Challenging the harsh space environment requires tackling life support technologies, the environment and health management, and the maximum energy conservation. This leads to the enhancement of corporate brands and the international appeal of technical capabilities, and is directly linked to resolving problems Japan faces such as its aging population and lack of natural resources. 6

7 2. (1)Rationales for Japan s participating in international space exploration (2/2) 4. Demonstration of Japan s international presence (improvement of international status) Capturing the growing momentum of international space exploration accurately and then participating in it actively is essential for maintaining and improving the continued status of the space faring nations that was acquired by tenacious efforts, and for strengthening the partnership between Japan and the United States and other partner countries. 5. Inspirations of Students and Young Generations Stimulating interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the younger generation brings about the creation of a wide range of science related human resources, and also produces following generations eager to meet the challenges for realizing their dreams. 7

8 3. (2) Japan s approaches to international space exploration (1/2) 1. Technology Based on the Global Exploration Roadmap (GER) created by the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG), it is appropriate to anticipate as a future target manned Mars exploration, and to tackle this challenge by a "stepwise approach". Among the technologies that are required for manned space exploration in the future, Japan will demonstrate its manned long stay technology by taking full advantage of the ISS. In addition, in order to develop and verify common based technology (high precision landing technology, etc.), we will develop and advocate the unmanned lunar exploration program, which is centered on the field in which Japan has strengths. 2. Framework It is important to build a framework that meets the aims of international space exploration. Leveraging the experience Japan has gained through the ISS program, we will proceed with these framework building efforts proactively. 8

9 3. (2) Japan s approaches to international space exploration (2/2) 3. Remaining issues to be discussed further Further discussions are need regarding the following questions: How to combine manned and unmanned space exploration. The balance between domestic and international cooperative development. The approach to obtain space technologies for manned space system including manned space vehicle. Long term visions and goals of Japan s activities for space exploration should be made clear. further public support and understanding regarding Japan s commitment for continuing space exploration are needed. For the next ISEF, it is necessary to actively promote international coordination in order to obtain a consensus on how to implement programs step by step 9

10 [Reference] The preparation scenario for international space exploration International Space Exploration Expansion of humankind s activity sphere Acquisition of manned long term stay technology via ISS Upgrade of space medicine, inhabited environmental control, and life support technology. Demonstration in space of infrastructural technologies, such as regeneration type fuel cell, which are necessary for space exploration Acquisition of exploration technology via unmanned exploration on Moon surface (Japan initiative/ International cooperation) Data relay system deployment, Deep space RVD**demonstration Luna surface exploration **RVD : rendezvous docking Extended duration crew missions * EML2:Earth Lunar Lagrange point L2 Human mission beyond Low Earth Orbit (international cooperation) 2025 Humans to Lunar Surface Human exploration of Mars international cooperation) 2030 Humans to Mars Surface Broad area exploration on Moon surface (International cooperation) Cooperation Cooperation Cooperation Scientific exploration Acquisition of scientific knowledge for Earth and mankind origin 10

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