Japan's Future in Space

摘要

Japan's space strategy s in trouble. For the Japanese, the loss efface suffered with H2 and M5 launch failures is intolerable. In the last few years they have also suffered well-publicised failures of their spacecraft in orbit. In addition, China is currently taking leadership in space commerce and exploration in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, China will launch its first Taikonaut. Even India is achieving tangible success with its space programme. What can Japan do to remedy this situation? Should they persist in their dreams of having expendable launchers, reusable rockets, their own satellite buses and manned exploration all using indigenously developed technology?