Statement by the Head of Japanese Delegation on Agenda Item 5: General exchange of views, at the 59th session of COPUOS
2016/6/8
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates,
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I am pleased to address the 59th session of COPUOS. First, I would like to congratulate Mr. David Kendall from Canada, for being elected as the chairman of this committee for the forthcoming two years. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Azzedine Oussedik, former Chairman of this committee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. Japan is pleased to welcome six states as the new members of COPUOS.
Japan also welcomes the application of New Zealand to become a member State of COPUOS.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan had experienced a great earthquake in the Kumamoto region in the south part of Japan last April. We have received a lot of messages of sympathy and encouragement as well as warm assistance from many countries. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for those support extended to Japan. Japan’s Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 known as “DAICHI-2“ observed the affected area and acquired data on the damage situation in the region. Japan appreciates France, Germany, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States for having provided satellite data of the region under the framework of the International Charter. This data have contributed to understanding of the mechanism of the earthquake and managing the risks in the future. All these experiences remind us of the importance and capability of space technology in disaster management.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan is of the view that the role and function of COPUOS should be further enhanced. I focus on three points regarding the role and the function of COPUOS.
First, Japan expects COPUOS to play a more important role in enhancing the global governance of space activities. Faced with increasing number of governmental and non-governmental players in space activities, it is necessary to strengthen a rules-based outer space environment that enhances its safety, security, sustainability and stability. We, therefore, took initiative to deliver messages about the importance of the norms of responsible behavior for all outer space activities in the G7 Foreign Ministers Joint Communique as well as the G7 Statement on Non-proliferation and Disarmament which were issued in Hiroshima last April. In these documents, we also reaffirm our commitment, and call on all states, to review and implement, to the extent practicable, the proposed transparency and confidence-building measures contained in the recommendations of the UN Group of Governmental Experts Report. Also, we support efforts to rapidly complete clear, practicable and proven guidelines for long-term sustainability of outer space activities at COPUOS this year and encourage all Member States of this Committee to play a constructive role to this end.
Secondly, Japan recognizes that this Committee is a unique multilateral platform to enhance international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. It encourages its member States to gather and share information, insights and experiences for their development of space policy and activities. It also promotes transparency and mutual confidence building, while promoting member States to build common ground on a variety of issues.
Thirdly, Japan believes that this Committee can make effective contributions to tackling the global issues facing the international community. I would like to remind you of the three important documents on global issues, which were adopted in different international fora last year; “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030”, “The 2030 agenda for sustainable development” and “The Paris agreement”. I would like to reiterate the importance and necessity of considering how this Committee can further contribute to accomplishing sustainable development goals and targets in those documents through its expertise in space application. .
Mr. Chairman,
I wish to move on to briefly introduce recent notable space activities of Japan.
Last December, Japan decided to extend its participation in the International Space Station (ISS) operations until 2024. Through operations and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module of the ISS, known as “Kibo” and H-II Transfer Vehicle, also known as “KOUNOTORI”, Japan will responsibly make commensurate contribution to the extended operations. This year again, we plan to launch the “KOUNOTORI 6”.
Furthermore, Astronaut Takuya Onishi starts his first long-duration mission on the ISS shortly. He is now at the final stage of preparations for his launch by Soyuz from Kazakhstan.
As for space science, let me inform you of the latest situation regarding the X-ray Astronomy Satellite ASTRO-H “HITOMI”. “HITOMI”, was launched in February 2016, and then became unable to receive the signal after the end of March. It is assumed that both solar array paddles had broken off at their bases due to the malfunction of attitude control, and JAXA ceased the efforts to restore “HITOMI” on 28 April. We express the deepest regret to all foreign and domestic partners including NASA, ESA, CSA and SRON, as well as to all astrophysicists, and also expressed our sincere appreciation to the support from international partners to conduct through investigation of this trouble.
On the other hand, Japan succeeded in inserting the Venus Orbiter “AKATSUKI” into Venus’s orbit in December 2015 and put the five onboard instruments to the regular operation mode in April, 2016. Now AKATSUKI continuously acquires very valuable data for all leading Venus researchers in the world.
With overcoming the regrettable incident of “HITOMI”, Japan will continue to play an active role in the field of space science and space exploration.
In the field of space exploration, we would like to reaffirm the importance of international cooperation. Japan will host the 2nd meeting of the International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF), which is scheduled to be held in late 2017. We are looking forward to welcoming a lot of participants in this forum and fruitful discussions to enhance effective international cooperation on space exploration.
Mr. Chairman,
Lastly, I would like to reiterate Japan’s position regarding the launch of a ballistic missile on February 7, and the registration of objects launched into outer space by North Korea on May 25. Japan recognizes that registrations in line with the Convention contribute to identification of objects and clarification of responsible entities in case of incidents such as collisions of satellites. However, North Korea’s registration means that North Korea conducts the launch of space objects into Earth orbit by using ballistic missile technology, which is an obvious violation of the related UN Security Council Resolutions. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea.
Mr. Chairman,
I will end my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to cooperate for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and contribute to COPUOS.
Thank you for your kind attention.
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I am pleased to address the 59th session of COPUOS. First, I would like to congratulate Mr. David Kendall from Canada, for being elected as the chairman of this committee for the forthcoming two years. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Azzedine Oussedik, former Chairman of this committee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. Japan is pleased to welcome six states as the new members of COPUOS.
Japan also welcomes the application of New Zealand to become a member State of COPUOS.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan had experienced a great earthquake in the Kumamoto region in the south part of Japan last April. We have received a lot of messages of sympathy and encouragement as well as warm assistance from many countries. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for those support extended to Japan. Japan’s Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 known as “DAICHI-2“ observed the affected area and acquired data on the damage situation in the region. Japan appreciates France, Germany, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States for having provided satellite data of the region under the framework of the International Charter. This data have contributed to understanding of the mechanism of the earthquake and managing the risks in the future. All these experiences remind us of the importance and capability of space technology in disaster management.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan is of the view that the role and function of COPUOS should be further enhanced. I focus on three points regarding the role and the function of COPUOS.
First, Japan expects COPUOS to play a more important role in enhancing the global governance of space activities. Faced with increasing number of governmental and non-governmental players in space activities, it is necessary to strengthen a rules-based outer space environment that enhances its safety, security, sustainability and stability. We, therefore, took initiative to deliver messages about the importance of the norms of responsible behavior for all outer space activities in the G7 Foreign Ministers Joint Communique as well as the G7 Statement on Non-proliferation and Disarmament which were issued in Hiroshima last April. In these documents, we also reaffirm our commitment, and call on all states, to review and implement, to the extent practicable, the proposed transparency and confidence-building measures contained in the recommendations of the UN Group of Governmental Experts Report. Also, we support efforts to rapidly complete clear, practicable and proven guidelines for long-term sustainability of outer space activities at COPUOS this year and encourage all Member States of this Committee to play a constructive role to this end.
Secondly, Japan recognizes that this Committee is a unique multilateral platform to enhance international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. It encourages its member States to gather and share information, insights and experiences for their development of space policy and activities. It also promotes transparency and mutual confidence building, while promoting member States to build common ground on a variety of issues.
Thirdly, Japan believes that this Committee can make effective contributions to tackling the global issues facing the international community. I would like to remind you of the three important documents on global issues, which were adopted in different international fora last year; “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030”, “The 2030 agenda for sustainable development” and “The Paris agreement”. I would like to reiterate the importance and necessity of considering how this Committee can further contribute to accomplishing sustainable development goals and targets in those documents through its expertise in space application. .
Mr. Chairman,
I wish to move on to briefly introduce recent notable space activities of Japan.
Last December, Japan decided to extend its participation in the International Space Station (ISS) operations until 2024. Through operations and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module of the ISS, known as “Kibo” and H-II Transfer Vehicle, also known as “KOUNOTORI”, Japan will responsibly make commensurate contribution to the extended operations. This year again, we plan to launch the “KOUNOTORI 6”.
Furthermore, Astronaut Takuya Onishi starts his first long-duration mission on the ISS shortly. He is now at the final stage of preparations for his launch by Soyuz from Kazakhstan.
As for space science, let me inform you of the latest situation regarding the X-ray Astronomy Satellite ASTRO-H “HITOMI”. “HITOMI”, was launched in February 2016, and then became unable to receive the signal after the end of March. It is assumed that both solar array paddles had broken off at their bases due to the malfunction of attitude control, and JAXA ceased the efforts to restore “HITOMI” on 28 April. We express the deepest regret to all foreign and domestic partners including NASA, ESA, CSA and SRON, as well as to all astrophysicists, and also expressed our sincere appreciation to the support from international partners to conduct through investigation of this trouble.
On the other hand, Japan succeeded in inserting the Venus Orbiter “AKATSUKI” into Venus’s orbit in December 2015 and put the five onboard instruments to the regular operation mode in April, 2016. Now AKATSUKI continuously acquires very valuable data for all leading Venus researchers in the world.
With overcoming the regrettable incident of “HITOMI”, Japan will continue to play an active role in the field of space science and space exploration.
In the field of space exploration, we would like to reaffirm the importance of international cooperation. Japan will host the 2nd meeting of the International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF), which is scheduled to be held in late 2017. We are looking forward to welcoming a lot of participants in this forum and fruitful discussions to enhance effective international cooperation on space exploration.
Mr. Chairman,
Lastly, I would like to reiterate Japan’s position regarding the launch of a ballistic missile on February 7, and the registration of objects launched into outer space by North Korea on May 25. Japan recognizes that registrations in line with the Convention contribute to identification of objects and clarification of responsible entities in case of incidents such as collisions of satellites. However, North Korea’s registration means that North Korea conducts the launch of space objects into Earth orbit by using ballistic missile technology, which is an obvious violation of the related UN Security Council Resolutions. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea.
Mr. Chairman,
I will end my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to cooperate for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and contribute to COPUOS.
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