Statement by the Head of Japanese Delegation on Agenda Item 4: General exchange of views, at the 53rd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS
2016/2/15
Agenda Item 4
General Exchange of Views and Introduction of Reports Submitted on National Activities
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I am pleased to address the 53rd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS. First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr. Vinay Kumar Dadhwal from India, for being elected as the chairman of this Subcommittee. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Elod Both, former Chairman of this Subcommittee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. I would also like to welcome six states as new members of the Committee.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce several events and Japanese space activities that have taken place since the last session of this Subcommittee.
One of the latest events is the launch of the X-ray Astronomy Satellite “ASTRO-H" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.30 this Feburary. ASTRO-H is expected to provide breakthrough results in scientific areas as diverse as the large-scale structure of the Universe and its evolution, the behavior of matter in the gravitational strong field regime, the physical conditions in sites of cosmic-ray acceleration, and the distribution of dark matter in galaxy clusters.
As for launching, Telesat's broadcast and telecommunication satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE, on board the H-IIA Launch vehicle No. 29 was successfully launched in November 2015. Notably, this is the first dedicated commercial launch of H-IIA. The H-IIA Launch vehicle No. 29 incorporates the outcome of the H-IIA UPGRADE that focuses on upper stage modifications to launch satellites more flexibly than ever.
I would also like to take this opportunity to announce the notable decision Japan made last December to extend its participation in the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024, through operation and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module, “Kibo” and H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” (HTV), which delivers cargo to the ISS. JAXA will responsibly produce commensurate achievements from these extended operations.
“Kibo”, which means ‘hope’ in Japanese is in full operation and a number of scientific experiments, earth and space observations, space medicine and demonstration of human space technologies have been conducted.
Kibo is being utilized globally. The Cubesat deployment from Kibo is a typical example. Kibo’s unique satellite deployment system using a robotic arm and air lock has deployed more than 100 Cubesats so far, including two Cubesats of Brazil in 2015. This spring, a 50-kg-level microsatellite “DIWATA-1”, which was jointly developed by the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippine Government and universities in Japan will be deployed from Kibo.
From July to December, 2015, the Japanese Astronaut Kimiya Yui conducted his 142-day long-duration mission on the ISS. Astronaut Yui engaged in various scientific experiments including high quality protein crystallization, which contributes to the understanding of protein structure, as well as setting up new scientific equipment such as the Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU). During his mission, JAXA launched “KOUNOTORI 5” from Tanegashima, and delivered cargo to the ISS. Astronaut Yui played an important role by manipulating the robotic arm to capture and release the “KOUNOTORI 5” with the combined efforts of the JAXA ground operation team in Tsukuba and Astronaut Wakata from the NASA Mission Control Center. I am proud that we could successfully deliver the cargo indispensable for ISS operation, by using Japan’s accumulated capabilities of robotics technology, stable operation technology, and our astronauts.
Astronaut Takuya Onishi has been assigned to the 48/49th Expedition Mission scheduled in June this year. Furthermore, we plan to launch the “KOUNOTORI 6” this year.
As for space exploration, Japan is also focusing on unmanned activities. Japan’s asteroid explorer, “Hayabusa2”, is now on the way to C-type asteroid, “Ryugu”, after the successful earth swing-by that was performed last December. The main purpose of this mission is to study the origin and evolution of the solar system as well as materials for life by leveraging the experience acquired from the original Hayabusa mission. Hayabusa2 is scheduled to arrive at “Ryugu” in 2018, and scheduled to return to earth with samples of the asteroid at the end of 2020.
Japan also succeeded in inserting the Venus Climate Orbiter “AKATSUKI” into Venus’s orbit in December, 2015. AKATSUKI is now flying on the elliptical orbit, which enables the probe to perform comprehensive observations of the planet’s meteorological phenomena and of its surface, as well as observations of the atmospheric particles escaping from Venus into space. JAXA is performing its initial checks of mission instruments on board for regular observation which is expected to commence this coming April. In the near future, we are going to disseminate observed data to scientists in the world. We hope that the data will encourage scientists to unveil mysteries of Venus, which is covered with high-temperature carbon dioxide and thick sulfuric-acid clouds.
In the field of space exploration, Japan would like to reaffirm the importance of international cooperation and appreciate the initiative of the U.S. to host the ISEF meeting in 2014, a first-time ministerial-level forum to discuss the vision of our future space exploration programme. Japan is hoping to build on this momentum by hosting the 2nd meeting of ISEF scheduled to take place in 2017.
In the field of earth observation, the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) or “DAICHI-2” was successfully launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle in May, 2014. ALOS-2 has been contributing to forest monitoring, disaster monitoring, and natural resource exploration on a global scale.
In addition, the world’s first next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite “Himawari-8” was also successfully launched in October, 2014. “Himawari-8” carries highly-improved imagers and enables better weather prediction and enhanced environmental monitoring using its high temporal resolution. The satellite is being operated by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the data distribution began in 2015. Lastly, JAXA improved a rainfall map and it is called Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation NOW, “GSMaP_NOW”. Using this map, users can now obtain the real-time precipitation data.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan would also like to emphasize the Committee’s role to promote close communication between this COPUOS and the regional and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms, so that all nations and regions can share the results of space research and applications.
In the Asia and pacific regions, Japan promotes the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, “APRSAF”. I am very pleased to announce that the APRSAF-22 was successfully held from December 1 to 4, 2015 in Bali, Indonesia, jointly organized by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia (RISTEK-DIKTI), National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia (LAPAN), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and JAXA. The session was attended by 480 participants from 28 countries and regions as well as 10 international organizations. This year, APRSAF-23 will be held in the Philippines. My delegation will elaborate further via a technical presentation during this upcoming session of the Subcommittee.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to announce that our seminar titled “Japan's Unique Technology that Supports Space Frontier”, will be held tomorrow. We will introduce Japanese technologies such as Super-Kamiokande, a neutrino observatory related to the Nobel Prize in Physics for 2015, and H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”. The seminar will be held tomorrow from 1:00pm in this room, followed by a reception. All delegations are cordially invited to both seminar and reception.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan acknowledges that the Committee provides a unique platform at the global level of international cooperation in space research and long-term space utilization. Its role for the next half century will be significantly important. In this regard, the following two items in this Subcommittee are especially critical.
The first item is the Long-term sustainability of outer space activities. In order to ensure the Long-term sustainability of outer space activities, it is desirable to establish practical guidelines as soon as possible. We are hoping that this topic proceeds based on the present work plan.
The other item is UNISPACE+50. Dr. Chiaki Mukai from Japan serves as the chair of the Working Group of the Whole in this term, and UNISPACE+50 will be prepared in the Working Group. We believe that UNISPACE+50 is an important opportunity to consider the current status and chart the future role of COPUOS. Japan is ready to contribute to the preparatory work.
Mr. Chairman,
Lastly, I would like to express Japan’s opinion regarding the launch of a missile by North Korea. The launch, even if North Korea calls it the “launch of a satellite”, is an obvious violation of UNSCRs which obligate North Korea not to conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology and is totally unacceptable. Japan lodges serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea.
Japan, once again, strongly urges North Korea to immediately and fully implement relevant UNSCRs. We also request all states to implement relevant UNSCRs strictly in order to make North Korea abandon missile and nuclear programmes. We will accelerate the discussions towards the adoption of a new UNSCR and strengthen our efforts through close coordination with relevant countries so that a strong resolution is adopted as soon as possible.
Thank you for your kind attention.
General Exchange of Views and Introduction of Reports Submitted on National Activities
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I am pleased to address the 53rd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS. First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr. Vinay Kumar Dadhwal from India, for being elected as the chairman of this Subcommittee. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Elod Both, former Chairman of this Subcommittee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. I would also like to welcome six states as new members of the Committee.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce several events and Japanese space activities that have taken place since the last session of this Subcommittee.
One of the latest events is the launch of the X-ray Astronomy Satellite “ASTRO-H" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.30 this Feburary. ASTRO-H is expected to provide breakthrough results in scientific areas as diverse as the large-scale structure of the Universe and its evolution, the behavior of matter in the gravitational strong field regime, the physical conditions in sites of cosmic-ray acceleration, and the distribution of dark matter in galaxy clusters.
As for launching, Telesat's broadcast and telecommunication satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE, on board the H-IIA Launch vehicle No. 29 was successfully launched in November 2015. Notably, this is the first dedicated commercial launch of H-IIA. The H-IIA Launch vehicle No. 29 incorporates the outcome of the H-IIA UPGRADE that focuses on upper stage modifications to launch satellites more flexibly than ever.
I would also like to take this opportunity to announce the notable decision Japan made last December to extend its participation in the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024, through operation and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module, “Kibo” and H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” (HTV), which delivers cargo to the ISS. JAXA will responsibly produce commensurate achievements from these extended operations.
“Kibo”, which means ‘hope’ in Japanese is in full operation and a number of scientific experiments, earth and space observations, space medicine and demonstration of human space technologies have been conducted.
Kibo is being utilized globally. The Cubesat deployment from Kibo is a typical example. Kibo’s unique satellite deployment system using a robotic arm and air lock has deployed more than 100 Cubesats so far, including two Cubesats of Brazil in 2015. This spring, a 50-kg-level microsatellite “DIWATA-1”, which was jointly developed by the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippine Government and universities in Japan will be deployed from Kibo.
From July to December, 2015, the Japanese Astronaut Kimiya Yui conducted his 142-day long-duration mission on the ISS. Astronaut Yui engaged in various scientific experiments including high quality protein crystallization, which contributes to the understanding of protein structure, as well as setting up new scientific equipment such as the Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU). During his mission, JAXA launched “KOUNOTORI 5” from Tanegashima, and delivered cargo to the ISS. Astronaut Yui played an important role by manipulating the robotic arm to capture and release the “KOUNOTORI 5” with the combined efforts of the JAXA ground operation team in Tsukuba and Astronaut Wakata from the NASA Mission Control Center. I am proud that we could successfully deliver the cargo indispensable for ISS operation, by using Japan’s accumulated capabilities of robotics technology, stable operation technology, and our astronauts.
Astronaut Takuya Onishi has been assigned to the 48/49th Expedition Mission scheduled in June this year. Furthermore, we plan to launch the “KOUNOTORI 6” this year.
As for space exploration, Japan is also focusing on unmanned activities. Japan’s asteroid explorer, “Hayabusa2”, is now on the way to C-type asteroid, “Ryugu”, after the successful earth swing-by that was performed last December. The main purpose of this mission is to study the origin and evolution of the solar system as well as materials for life by leveraging the experience acquired from the original Hayabusa mission. Hayabusa2 is scheduled to arrive at “Ryugu” in 2018, and scheduled to return to earth with samples of the asteroid at the end of 2020.
Japan also succeeded in inserting the Venus Climate Orbiter “AKATSUKI” into Venus’s orbit in December, 2015. AKATSUKI is now flying on the elliptical orbit, which enables the probe to perform comprehensive observations of the planet’s meteorological phenomena and of its surface, as well as observations of the atmospheric particles escaping from Venus into space. JAXA is performing its initial checks of mission instruments on board for regular observation which is expected to commence this coming April. In the near future, we are going to disseminate observed data to scientists in the world. We hope that the data will encourage scientists to unveil mysteries of Venus, which is covered with high-temperature carbon dioxide and thick sulfuric-acid clouds.
In the field of space exploration, Japan would like to reaffirm the importance of international cooperation and appreciate the initiative of the U.S. to host the ISEF meeting in 2014, a first-time ministerial-level forum to discuss the vision of our future space exploration programme. Japan is hoping to build on this momentum by hosting the 2nd meeting of ISEF scheduled to take place in 2017.
In the field of earth observation, the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) or “DAICHI-2” was successfully launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle in May, 2014. ALOS-2 has been contributing to forest monitoring, disaster monitoring, and natural resource exploration on a global scale.
In addition, the world’s first next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite “Himawari-8” was also successfully launched in October, 2014. “Himawari-8” carries highly-improved imagers and enables better weather prediction and enhanced environmental monitoring using its high temporal resolution. The satellite is being operated by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the data distribution began in 2015. Lastly, JAXA improved a rainfall map and it is called Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation NOW, “GSMaP_NOW”. Using this map, users can now obtain the real-time precipitation data.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan would also like to emphasize the Committee’s role to promote close communication between this COPUOS and the regional and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms, so that all nations and regions can share the results of space research and applications.
In the Asia and pacific regions, Japan promotes the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, “APRSAF”. I am very pleased to announce that the APRSAF-22 was successfully held from December 1 to 4, 2015 in Bali, Indonesia, jointly organized by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia (RISTEK-DIKTI), National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia (LAPAN), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and JAXA. The session was attended by 480 participants from 28 countries and regions as well as 10 international organizations. This year, APRSAF-23 will be held in the Philippines. My delegation will elaborate further via a technical presentation during this upcoming session of the Subcommittee.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to announce that our seminar titled “Japan's Unique Technology that Supports Space Frontier”, will be held tomorrow. We will introduce Japanese technologies such as Super-Kamiokande, a neutrino observatory related to the Nobel Prize in Physics for 2015, and H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”. The seminar will be held tomorrow from 1:00pm in this room, followed by a reception. All delegations are cordially invited to both seminar and reception.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan acknowledges that the Committee provides a unique platform at the global level of international cooperation in space research and long-term space utilization. Its role for the next half century will be significantly important. In this regard, the following two items in this Subcommittee are especially critical.
The first item is the Long-term sustainability of outer space activities. In order to ensure the Long-term sustainability of outer space activities, it is desirable to establish practical guidelines as soon as possible. We are hoping that this topic proceeds based on the present work plan.
The other item is UNISPACE+50. Dr. Chiaki Mukai from Japan serves as the chair of the Working Group of the Whole in this term, and UNISPACE+50 will be prepared in the Working Group. We believe that UNISPACE+50 is an important opportunity to consider the current status and chart the future role of COPUOS. Japan is ready to contribute to the preparatory work.
Mr. Chairman,
Lastly, I would like to express Japan’s opinion regarding the launch of a missile by North Korea. The launch, even if North Korea calls it the “launch of a satellite”, is an obvious violation of UNSCRs which obligate North Korea not to conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology and is totally unacceptable. Japan lodges serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea.
Japan, once again, strongly urges North Korea to immediately and fully implement relevant UNSCRs. We also request all states to implement relevant UNSCRs strictly in order to make North Korea abandon missile and nuclear programmes. We will accelerate the discussions towards the adoption of a new UNSCR and strengthen our efforts through close coordination with relevant countries so that a strong resolution is adopted as soon as possible.
Thank you for your kind attention.
The Practical Export Control Workshop was hosted by the Wassenaar Arrangement as part of its 20th Anniversary programs and held at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna on 27 and 28 June 2016. More than 100 government representatives from 46 countries participated in the technically focused Practical Workshop.
Workshop speakers included the 2016 WA Plenary Chair Ambassador Anu Laamanen (Finland), 2016 WA General Working Group Chair Ambassador Paul Beijer (Sweden), 2015-2016 WA Experts Group Chair Robertas Rosinas (Lithuania), 2016 WA Licensing and Enforcement Officers Meeting Chair Jon Erik Strömö (Norway), as well as the Head of the WA Secretariat, Ambassador Philip Griffiths. The WA control lists as well as export licensing and enforcement topics were covered during the two days.
The following link from WA’s webpage contains more details:
http://www.wassenaar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/June-2016-Workshop-media-release.pdf
Workshop speakers included the 2016 WA Plenary Chair Ambassador Anu Laamanen (Finland), 2016 WA General Working Group Chair Ambassador Paul Beijer (Sweden), 2015-2016 WA Experts Group Chair Robertas Rosinas (Lithuania), 2016 WA Licensing and Enforcement Officers Meeting Chair Jon Erik Strömö (Norway), as well as the Head of the WA Secretariat, Ambassador Philip Griffiths. The WA control lists as well as export licensing and enforcement topics were covered during the two days.
The following link from WA’s webpage contains more details:
http://www.wassenaar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/June-2016-Workshop-media-release.pdf