Advent of a New Era of the Japanese Space Policy

摘要

Japanese aerospace activity is entering a new era by the establishment of the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) last year. Right now Japanese future space policy is being discussed by the Council for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office based on the changes in domestic and international circumstances surrounding Japan. Japan will progressively advance space activities with the aim of national security, national economy and intellectual frontier. Japan will continue to develop and maintain own space access capability and to promote the Earth science and space science activities. Since space activities cannot be discussed without international perspectives, Japan is establishing the principles of international cooperation based on the experiences including the International Space Station. Key words of the principles are Japan's autonomy and identity. Japan will play a role in international space community actively according to the principles. Japan will pursue international cooperation with all over the world especially with Asian countries.