Statement of by the Head of Japanese Delegation on Agenda item 5 “General exchange of views” at the 58th session of Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS
2021/4/23
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
Scientific and Technical Subcommittee 58th Session
Japan, Agenda Item 3– “General Exchange of Views”
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The Japanese delegation is confident that under your leadership, we will have a highly successful session, and we look forward to working with you. We commend the Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, the Secretariat, and the entire office for their exceptional work.
In recent years, the number of players in the space sector, including space agencies, academia, and industry has increased, resulting in the diversification of space activities. In such an evolving environment, Japan recognizes the importance of creating and implementing effective norms for ensuring the safety, security, sustainability, and stability of outer space. Recalling the recent adoption of the LTS Guidelines, Japan encourages states and international organizations to implement these guidelines.
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to take this opportunity to report on the recent developments of our space activities. Since the last subcommittee, Japan has conducted three launches: H-IIB Launch Vehicle flight No.9 with H-II Transfer Vehicle No.9 (HTV9) on board, and H-IIA Launch Vehicle flight No.42 with Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) developed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on board, and H-IIA Launch Vehicle flight No.43 with Japanese Data Relay System "JDRS" on board. In the area of human spaceflight, Japanese astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi began a long duration mission aboard the International Space Station last November and is scheduled to return to the Earth next week. The launch of the second Crew Dragon flight to the ISS is scheduled tomorrow, with Japanese astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko onboard, and Astronaut Hoshide will start the long duration mission aboard the ISS as the ISS commander.
Japan has also been actively engaged in the field of space exploration andspace science.
In 2010, the Japanese asteroid explorer Hayabusa accomplished the world’s first sample return mission from an asteroid. Following the success of its earlier mission, Hayabusa2 arrived at the C-type asteroid Ryugu” in 2018 and conducted surface exploration as well as two touchdowns. Last December, Hayabusa2
successfully brought back samples of Ryugu to the earth, and began its new mission to explore another asteroid, 1998 KY26.
Last June, Japan updated its Basic Plan on Space Policy, recognizing the importance of the space domain as a frontier for cutting edge science and technology, and also as a driving force for economic growth. Japan will leverage its expertise to take part in the global space exploration efforts, and will also bring in capabilities from various industry sectors. In October 2020, Japan signed the Artemis Accords as a political commitment to establish an internationally shared framework on various principles for civil space exploration activities and the use of outer space by national space agencies.
In the field of lunar exploration, Japan is participating in the lunar “Gateway” as part of the Artemis Program through leveraging the knowledge and technology acquired from the ISS program and space science missions. In the Japanese fiscal year 2022, JAXA plans to launch the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon
(SLIM), which is designed to demonstrate the pinpoint landing capability on the lunar surface. JAXA is also developing the Lunar Polar Exploration mission in collaboration with ISRO, which aims to investigate the presence of water and the possibilities for resource utilization in the lunar polar region.
Beyond lunar exploration, Japan is conducting the development of Martian Moons eXploration (MMX), targeting its launch in 2024. Through this mission, JAXA plans to explore the two Martian Moons and collect a sample from one of the Moons called Phobos to bring back to Earth.
With the goal of promoting globally coordinated efforts in the field of space exploration to the Moon and beyond, JAXA served as the chair of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) for two years until September last year. Last August, ISECG, which currently consist of 26 space agencies, published the “Global Exploration Roadmap Supplement – Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario Update” which captures recent worldwide advances in lunar exploration planning.
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
Japan has also been promoting regional space cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan annually hosts the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), an open and flexible framework in the region which aims to promote sustainable space cooperation, including addressing solutions for common issues in the region, such as disaster management, contributing to human resources development and capacity building for young researchers, engineers, and youth, and advancing capabilities in policy implementation. Last November, “APRSAF Online 2020” was held under the theme of “Sharing Space Visions Beyond Distance.” Heads of space agencies shared their visions of space initiatives in the challenging era of COVID-19, and participants acknowledged the increasing needs of space technology especially in supporting remote activities.
In addition to this, Japan has been promoting the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cooperation under the framework of Multi-GNSS Asia and has been supporting the interaction among governments, academia and industries in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Multi-GNSS Asia has expanded its activities to
the development of new applications and businesses, and welcomes participation from the next generation of professionals and users.
I will end my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to promote the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in close cooperation with COPUOS.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Scientific and Technical Subcommittee 58th Session
Japan, Agenda Item 3– “General Exchange of Views”
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The Japanese delegation is confident that under your leadership, we will have a highly successful session, and we look forward to working with you. We commend the Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, the Secretariat, and the entire office for their exceptional work.
In recent years, the number of players in the space sector, including space agencies, academia, and industry has increased, resulting in the diversification of space activities. In such an evolving environment, Japan recognizes the importance of creating and implementing effective norms for ensuring the safety, security, sustainability, and stability of outer space. Recalling the recent adoption of the LTS Guidelines, Japan encourages states and international organizations to implement these guidelines.
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to take this opportunity to report on the recent developments of our space activities. Since the last subcommittee, Japan has conducted three launches: H-IIB Launch Vehicle flight No.9 with H-II Transfer Vehicle No.9 (HTV9) on board, and H-IIA Launch Vehicle flight No.42 with Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) developed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on board, and H-IIA Launch Vehicle flight No.43 with Japanese Data Relay System "JDRS" on board. In the area of human spaceflight, Japanese astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi began a long duration mission aboard the International Space Station last November and is scheduled to return to the Earth next week. The launch of the second Crew Dragon flight to the ISS is scheduled tomorrow, with Japanese astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko onboard, and Astronaut Hoshide will start the long duration mission aboard the ISS as the ISS commander.
Japan has also been actively engaged in the field of space exploration andspace science.
In 2010, the Japanese asteroid explorer Hayabusa accomplished the world’s first sample return mission from an asteroid. Following the success of its earlier mission, Hayabusa2 arrived at the C-type asteroid Ryugu” in 2018 and conducted surface exploration as well as two touchdowns. Last December, Hayabusa2
successfully brought back samples of Ryugu to the earth, and began its new mission to explore another asteroid, 1998 KY26.
Last June, Japan updated its Basic Plan on Space Policy, recognizing the importance of the space domain as a frontier for cutting edge science and technology, and also as a driving force for economic growth. Japan will leverage its expertise to take part in the global space exploration efforts, and will also bring in capabilities from various industry sectors. In October 2020, Japan signed the Artemis Accords as a political commitment to establish an internationally shared framework on various principles for civil space exploration activities and the use of outer space by national space agencies.
In the field of lunar exploration, Japan is participating in the lunar “Gateway” as part of the Artemis Program through leveraging the knowledge and technology acquired from the ISS program and space science missions. In the Japanese fiscal year 2022, JAXA plans to launch the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon
(SLIM), which is designed to demonstrate the pinpoint landing capability on the lunar surface. JAXA is also developing the Lunar Polar Exploration mission in collaboration with ISRO, which aims to investigate the presence of water and the possibilities for resource utilization in the lunar polar region.
Beyond lunar exploration, Japan is conducting the development of Martian Moons eXploration (MMX), targeting its launch in 2024. Through this mission, JAXA plans to explore the two Martian Moons and collect a sample from one of the Moons called Phobos to bring back to Earth.
With the goal of promoting globally coordinated efforts in the field of space exploration to the Moon and beyond, JAXA served as the chair of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) for two years until September last year. Last August, ISECG, which currently consist of 26 space agencies, published the “Global Exploration Roadmap Supplement – Lunar Surface Exploration Scenario Update” which captures recent worldwide advances in lunar exploration planning.
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
Japan has also been promoting regional space cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan annually hosts the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), an open and flexible framework in the region which aims to promote sustainable space cooperation, including addressing solutions for common issues in the region, such as disaster management, contributing to human resources development and capacity building for young researchers, engineers, and youth, and advancing capabilities in policy implementation. Last November, “APRSAF Online 2020” was held under the theme of “Sharing Space Visions Beyond Distance.” Heads of space agencies shared their visions of space initiatives in the challenging era of COVID-19, and participants acknowledged the increasing needs of space technology especially in supporting remote activities.
In addition to this, Japan has been promoting the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cooperation under the framework of Multi-GNSS Asia and has been supporting the interaction among governments, academia and industries in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Multi-GNSS Asia has expanded its activities to
the development of new applications and businesses, and welcomes participation from the next generation of professionals and users.
I will end my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to promote the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in close cooperation with COPUOS.
Thank you for your kind attention.