COPUOS科技小委第56会期：議題3「一般発言」ステートメント（日本代表団長）
平成31年2月11日
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I wish to congratulate Madam Chair for the success of this Subcommittee last year. Japan also wishes to warmly welcome as new members of the Committee, Ethiopia, Cyprus, Finland, Mauritius and Paraguay.
Madam Chair,
Japan is of the view that the Committee provides a unique and important platform to promote international cooperation in the field of outer space. Together with COPUOS, Japan has been actively engaged in the capacity building of new and diversified spacefaring nations and actors. The new business ideas are emerging, including actions on the space debris. To support and further enhance both new and existing activities, Japan believes that a rule of law is integral for safe, stable and sustainable space activities.
In this sense, it was regrettable that the compendium of the Long Term Sustainability guidelines was not endorsed by the COPUOS last year after the eight years’ discussion. Yet, in front of us, we have a set of 21 voluntary guidelines, which represent the agreed best practice of member states. In accordance with those guidelines, Japan enacted “Space Activity Act” at home in last November, and established a system for permission to launch a vehicle and control of spacecraft and compensation scheme for damage of third party caused by launching a vehicle. Under the supervision, all plans are required to satisfy criteria such as prevention of on-orbit break-up and post-mission disposal, thereby decrease the number of space debris. Japan wish to set an example to implement those guidelines, and, after engaging with some other countries in advance, to encourage all member states to respect and voluntary implement those guidelines.
The number of space debris has ever been increasing posing a serious threat to the outer space assets. To ensure the safety, security and sustainability of outer space activities, we shall take a solid step towards the issue of space debris through legal instrument, technical standards and Research & Development. In the morning of Monday 18th, JAXA will make a technical presentation on space debris research including observation, modeling, in-situ measurement of small debris, Active Debris Removal, ground testing. For the sustainable use of outer space environment, Japan will continue to be actively engaged in tackling challenges of space debris and set an example through a series of measures mentioned above. Japan wish to call upon all Member States to make further efforts to mitigate space debris.
Madam Chair,
Now I wish to report on Japan’s recent space activities. First, since the last subcommittee, Japan has conducted spacecraft launches using H-IIA Launch Vehicle and Epsilon Launch Vehicle. These include the launch of Greenhouse Gas observation satellite, and the first innovative satellite technology program demonstrating components developed by Japanese private companies and universities.
Second, the Mercury exploration project jointly planned by Japan and European Space Agency called BepiColombo successfully took off in October last year.
Third, in November, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System has started its service as a four-satellite constellation. Using the data from the constellation of four satellites, the positioning accuracy is highly improved in the Asia-Pacific region. This system can be used in an integrated way with GPS, ensuring a sufficient number of satellites for stable, high-precision positioning.
Fourth, in the area of human spaceflight, Astronaut Norishige Kanai completed the 168-day long duration mission aboard the International Space Station last June. He carried out many missions related to medical research for the understanding and treating aging-related symptoms. He was the fourth Japanese astronaut to conduct activities outside of the International Space Station, and he was also in charge of the deployment of the first satellite of Kenya under the KiboCUBE program between JAXA and UNOOSA. Also, H-IIB Transfer Vehicle was launched last September, which carried necessary materials for the International Space Station operation and also successfully demonstrated re-entry technology and cargo recovery function from the ISS.
Now I wish to touch upon our hero “Hayabusa”, the world first sample return mission from the asteroid as the successor of this mission, Hayabusa2 was launched in December, 2014 and arrived at the C-type asteroid in June last year. In September, the rover carried by Hayabusa 2 succeeded in landing on Ryugu and capturing the picture of the surface. This is the world’s first successful rover exploring the surface of the asteroid. In October, the robotic lander also carried by Hayabusa 2 was successfully deployed and landed onto the surface of this asteroid. The information from these two missions were not only beneficial for gaining scientific knowledge about the asteroid but also supporting Hayabusa2 spacecraft to determine the location of the touchdown. The historical touchdown operation of Hayabusa 2 to catch the sample of the asteroid will start this week. The Hayabusa2 is expected to return to the Earth next year with the collected sample.
Madam Chair,
I wish to touch upon a framework of regional and international cooperation. The first is the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), which is an open and flexible framework in the regional cooperation to enhance space activities and gain socio-economic benefits from space technologies and their applications. The 25th Forum co-organized by the Singapore Space and Technology Association, Japanese government, and JAXA was held from November last year in Singapore under the theme “Innovative Space Technology for Evolving Needs.” The forum was attended by 385 participants from 29 countries and regions, and nine international organizations, including four heads of space agencies and five deputy heads from Asia-Pacific countries as well as high-level governmental officials in charge of space policy. Discussions covered a wide range of topics from technology to policy issues. Through the forum, participants were able to recognize the importance of further deepening cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of space. Japan highly appreciates the efforts of the Singaporean co-organizer, and will continue to contribute to the promotion of such regional collaborations. The next APRSAF-26 will be held in Japan at the end of November.
I wish to introduce the results of the 2nd International Space Exploration Forum, which was hosted by Japan March last year in Tokyo. I wish to express my deep appreciation to great supports from many countries and organizations for this forum. With participation of ministers and head of space agencies from 45 countries and international/inter-governmental organizations, three outcome documents were agreed. Participating countries shared the common recognition about international space exploration such as “Peaceful purpose & benefits for humankind,” “Promotion of international cooperation and collaboration,” and “Sustaining outer space environment.” These documents are also mentioned in the report for the UNISPACE+50. Based on the outcomes of this forum, Japan expects international space exploration is promoted with an open system where any country can participate according to its own interests and capabilities. Japan will proceed coordination with international partners to give shape to international program aiming toward the moon as the current target.
Last but not least, the KiboCUBE offers an educational or research institution from emerging UN members the opportunity to deploy a cube satellite, a CubeSat, of which the institution develops and manufactures, from the International Space Station, ISS, Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo. The program started in September 2015 as a dedicated collaboration between the UNOOSA and JAXA, using the ISS for the world. The first country benefiting from this programme and the first Kenyan satellite has been successfully deployed on May last year. Japan is also convinced this experience benefits the space capacity of Kenya, while positively evolving the society as a whole.
Finally I wish to invite all delegates to a side event on capacity building during the lunch break of this Friday organized by Japan, UNOOSA, and Kenya. During the event, we would like to introduce two initiatives, the KiboCUBE and UN/Japan Nano Satellite Technologies Fellowship Program. The side event will be followed by a reception at the coffee corner near the Board Room D.
In addition, a technical presentation on Japan’s contribution to disaster management in Asia will be made in the afternoon of Wednesday 20th February. Another technical presentation of Senior Advisor and Astronaut, Dr. Chiaki Mukai, in the morning of Friday 15th February, is on expanding partnerships in space exploration and developing technology for space habitation and its application to the earth.
Madam Chair,
I will finish my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to cooperate for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in close cooperation with COPUOS.
Thank you for your attention.
On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I wish to congratulate Madam Chair for the success of this Subcommittee last year. Japan also wishes to warmly welcome as new members of the Committee, Ethiopia, Cyprus, Finland, Mauritius and Paraguay.
Madam Chair,
Japan is of the view that the Committee provides a unique and important platform to promote international cooperation in the field of outer space. Together with COPUOS, Japan has been actively engaged in the capacity building of new and diversified spacefaring nations and actors. The new business ideas are emerging, including actions on the space debris. To support and further enhance both new and existing activities, Japan believes that a rule of law is integral for safe, stable and sustainable space activities.
In this sense, it was regrettable that the compendium of the Long Term Sustainability guidelines was not endorsed by the COPUOS last year after the eight years’ discussion. Yet, in front of us, we have a set of 21 voluntary guidelines, which represent the agreed best practice of member states. In accordance with those guidelines, Japan enacted “Space Activity Act” at home in last November, and established a system for permission to launch a vehicle and control of spacecraft and compensation scheme for damage of third party caused by launching a vehicle. Under the supervision, all plans are required to satisfy criteria such as prevention of on-orbit break-up and post-mission disposal, thereby decrease the number of space debris. Japan wish to set an example to implement those guidelines, and, after engaging with some other countries in advance, to encourage all member states to respect and voluntary implement those guidelines.
The number of space debris has ever been increasing posing a serious threat to the outer space assets. To ensure the safety, security and sustainability of outer space activities, we shall take a solid step towards the issue of space debris through legal instrument, technical standards and Research & Development. In the morning of Monday 18th, JAXA will make a technical presentation on space debris research including observation, modeling, in-situ measurement of small debris, Active Debris Removal, ground testing. For the sustainable use of outer space environment, Japan will continue to be actively engaged in tackling challenges of space debris and set an example through a series of measures mentioned above. Japan wish to call upon all Member States to make further efforts to mitigate space debris.
Madam Chair,
Now I wish to report on Japan’s recent space activities. First, since the last subcommittee, Japan has conducted spacecraft launches using H-IIA Launch Vehicle and Epsilon Launch Vehicle. These include the launch of Greenhouse Gas observation satellite, and the first innovative satellite technology program demonstrating components developed by Japanese private companies and universities.
Second, the Mercury exploration project jointly planned by Japan and European Space Agency called BepiColombo successfully took off in October last year.
Third, in November, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System has started its service as a four-satellite constellation. Using the data from the constellation of four satellites, the positioning accuracy is highly improved in the Asia-Pacific region. This system can be used in an integrated way with GPS, ensuring a sufficient number of satellites for stable, high-precision positioning.
Fourth, in the area of human spaceflight, Astronaut Norishige Kanai completed the 168-day long duration mission aboard the International Space Station last June. He carried out many missions related to medical research for the understanding and treating aging-related symptoms. He was the fourth Japanese astronaut to conduct activities outside of the International Space Station, and he was also in charge of the deployment of the first satellite of Kenya under the KiboCUBE program between JAXA and UNOOSA. Also, H-IIB Transfer Vehicle was launched last September, which carried necessary materials for the International Space Station operation and also successfully demonstrated re-entry technology and cargo recovery function from the ISS.
Now I wish to touch upon our hero “Hayabusa”, the world first sample return mission from the asteroid as the successor of this mission, Hayabusa2 was launched in December, 2014 and arrived at the C-type asteroid in June last year. In September, the rover carried by Hayabusa 2 succeeded in landing on Ryugu and capturing the picture of the surface. This is the world’s first successful rover exploring the surface of the asteroid. In October, the robotic lander also carried by Hayabusa 2 was successfully deployed and landed onto the surface of this asteroid. The information from these two missions were not only beneficial for gaining scientific knowledge about the asteroid but also supporting Hayabusa2 spacecraft to determine the location of the touchdown. The historical touchdown operation of Hayabusa 2 to catch the sample of the asteroid will start this week. The Hayabusa2 is expected to return to the Earth next year with the collected sample.
Madam Chair,
I wish to touch upon a framework of regional and international cooperation. The first is the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), which is an open and flexible framework in the regional cooperation to enhance space activities and gain socio-economic benefits from space technologies and their applications. The 25th Forum co-organized by the Singapore Space and Technology Association, Japanese government, and JAXA was held from November last year in Singapore under the theme “Innovative Space Technology for Evolving Needs.” The forum was attended by 385 participants from 29 countries and regions, and nine international organizations, including four heads of space agencies and five deputy heads from Asia-Pacific countries as well as high-level governmental officials in charge of space policy. Discussions covered a wide range of topics from technology to policy issues. Through the forum, participants were able to recognize the importance of further deepening cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of space. Japan highly appreciates the efforts of the Singaporean co-organizer, and will continue to contribute to the promotion of such regional collaborations. The next APRSAF-26 will be held in Japan at the end of November.
I wish to introduce the results of the 2nd International Space Exploration Forum, which was hosted by Japan March last year in Tokyo. I wish to express my deep appreciation to great supports from many countries and organizations for this forum. With participation of ministers and head of space agencies from 45 countries and international/inter-governmental organizations, three outcome documents were agreed. Participating countries shared the common recognition about international space exploration such as “Peaceful purpose & benefits for humankind,” “Promotion of international cooperation and collaboration,” and “Sustaining outer space environment.” These documents are also mentioned in the report for the UNISPACE+50. Based on the outcomes of this forum, Japan expects international space exploration is promoted with an open system where any country can participate according to its own interests and capabilities. Japan will proceed coordination with international partners to give shape to international program aiming toward the moon as the current target.
Last but not least, the KiboCUBE offers an educational or research institution from emerging UN members the opportunity to deploy a cube satellite, a CubeSat, of which the institution develops and manufactures, from the International Space Station, ISS, Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo. The program started in September 2015 as a dedicated collaboration between the UNOOSA and JAXA, using the ISS for the world. The first country benefiting from this programme and the first Kenyan satellite has been successfully deployed on May last year. Japan is also convinced this experience benefits the space capacity of Kenya, while positively evolving the society as a whole.
Finally I wish to invite all delegates to a side event on capacity building during the lunch break of this Friday organized by Japan, UNOOSA, and Kenya. During the event, we would like to introduce two initiatives, the KiboCUBE and UN/Japan Nano Satellite Technologies Fellowship Program. The side event will be followed by a reception at the coffee corner near the Board Room D.
In addition, a technical presentation on Japan’s contribution to disaster management in Asia will be made in the afternoon of Wednesday 20th February. Another technical presentation of Senior Advisor and Astronaut, Dr. Chiaki Mukai, in the morning of Friday 15th February, is on expanding partnerships in space exploration and developing technology for space habitation and its application to the earth.
Madam Chair,
I will finish my statement by reiterating that Japan will continue to cooperate for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in close cooperation with COPUOS.
Thank you for your attention.