Q. How is JAXA going to contribute to the growth of Japan's aerospace industry? 
JAXA COSMODE PROJECT Logo
The fact is, Japan's aerospace industry is still small compared to others around the world. The Basic Space Law was enacted to foster and energize the industry, and JAXA will do what it can to help the aerospace sector attain strong international competitiveness and become one of the country's cornerstone industries.
First, JAXA will pursue R&D on fundamental technology, and pass new technology on to industry. Instead of developing technology independently, I think it more efficient to collaborate with the private sector and universities, as this can help expand the frontiers of R&D. JAXA has made agreements and started joint projects with many universities.
Next, it is important to test new applications in space. Neither a system nor a component can be put into practical use unless its application has been proven in space. As we have with Daichi, the Advanced Land Observing Satellite, which has been tested in space for disaster monitoring, we need to constantly be developing new applications and testing them in space. To do this, we have opened up space for piggyback payloads. These are carried in any extra space available in a rocket and are launched alongside JAXA's satellites. The launch vehicle for IBUKI, scheduled for launch in January, will also carry small satellites built by the private sector and a university. We will continue to offer businesses and universities opportunities to launch their satellites. By doing so, I hope we can not only expand the frontiers of space utilization but also contribute to the area of education and human resource development.
It is also important to spin off JAXA's technologies beyond the space industry. JAXA has set up a program called Space Open Lab, with the aim of supporting those who start space-related businesses. Meanwhile, we also promote “spin-in,” where the space program uses new technologies developed by the private sector. Last year, we announced the JAXA COSMODE PROJECT logo program. The idea is to brand and sell products and services developed by Japan's space program. We hope that this program will familiarize the public with space technology spin-offs, and promote space related industries.
Q. How is JAXA going to contribute to the area of aviation?
Silent Supersonic Aircraft
JAXA also plays a key role as a research and development institution for Japanese aviation technology. To enhance the system, it is important to select and concentrate on projects that can benefit from JAXA's leadership, and divide roles effectively with the private sector. At present, JAXA's focus is on research for next-generation passenger aircraft and silent supersonic aircraft. For next-generation passenger aircraft, to add higher value and differentiation, we are developing technologies for noise reduction; tough, lightweight composite materials for main wings and bodies; an environmentally friendly engine; and a cockpit system to support safe flight. To achieve the technology for silent supersonic aircraft with high-energy efficiency ahead of the rest of the world, we are in the engineering research phase, and are hoping to be able to experiment with a demonstration aircraft soon. The most important element in the world of aviation is the assurance of safe flight. Bearing this in mind, JAXA is researching a new system to support safe flight for next-generation aircraft. We hope this system will become a world standard in the future.
We expect the development of silent supersonic aircraft to take 10 to 20 years. It is difficult for a single country to undertake such a large-scale project on its own, and therefore, I think that the establishment of an international collaboration program should be encouraged. I would like to see a silent supersonic aircraft flying in the sky 20 years from now. But at the same time, we are developing advanced technology looking even further into the future. By passing on the technology to the aviation industry, we would like to help develop Japanese aviation technology.
Related Link: Aviation Program Group
JAXA COSMODE PROJECT Logo
The fact is, Japan's aerospace industry is still small compared to others around the world. The Basic Space Law was enacted to foster and energize the industry, and JAXA will do what it can to help the aerospace sector attain strong international competitiveness and become one of the country's cornerstone industries.
First, JAXA will pursue R&D on fundamental technology, and pass new technology on to industry. Instead of developing technology independently, I think it more efficient to collaborate with the private sector and universities, as this can help expand the frontiers of R&D. JAXA has made agreements and started joint projects with many universities.
Next, it is important to test new applications in space. Neither a system nor a component can be put into practical use unless its application has been proven in space. As we have with Daichi, the Advanced Land Observing Satellite, which has been tested in space for disaster monitoring, we need to constantly be developing new applications and testing them in space. To do this, we have opened up space for piggyback payloads. These are carried in any extra space available in a rocket and are launched alongside JAXA's satellites. The launch vehicle for IBUKI, scheduled for launch in January, will also carry small satellites built by the private sector and a university. We will continue to offer businesses and universities opportunities to launch their satellites. By doing so, I hope we can not only expand the frontiers of space utilization but also contribute to the area of education and human resource development.
It is also important to spin off JAXA's technologies beyond the space industry. JAXA has set up a program called Space Open Lab, with the aim of supporting those who start space-related businesses. Meanwhile, we also promote “spin-in,” where the space program uses new technologies developed by the private sector. Last year, we announced the JAXA COSMODE PROJECT logo program. The idea is to brand and sell products and services developed by Japan's space program. We hope that this program will familiarize the public with space technology spin-offs, and promote space related industries.
Q. How is JAXA going to contribute to the area of aviation?
Silent Supersonic Aircraft
JAXA also plays a key role as a research and development institution for Japanese aviation technology. To enhance the system, it is important to select and concentrate on projects that can benefit from JAXA's leadership, and divide roles effectively with the private sector. At present, JAXA's focus is on research for next-generation passenger aircraft and silent supersonic aircraft. For next-generation passenger aircraft, to add higher value and differentiation, we are developing technologies for noise reduction; tough, lightweight composite materials for main wings and bodies; an environmentally friendly engine; and a cockpit system to support safe flight. To achieve the technology for silent supersonic aircraft with high-energy efficiency ahead of the rest of the world, we are in the engineering research phase, and are hoping to be able to experiment with a demonstration aircraft soon. The most important element in the world of aviation is the assurance of safe flight. Bearing this in mind, JAXA is researching a new system to support safe flight for next-generation aircraft. We hope this system will become a world standard in the future.
We expect the development of silent supersonic aircraft to take 10 to 20 years. It is difficult for a single country to undertake such a large-scale project on its own, and therefore, I think that the establishment of an international collaboration program should be encouraged. I would like to see a silent supersonic aircraft flying in the sky 20 years from now. But at the same time, we are developing advanced technology looking even further into the future. By passing on the technology to the aviation industry, we would like to help develop Japanese aviation technology.
Related Link: Aviation Program Group
Q. How would JAXA like to work with countries in Asia?
As a spacefaring nation, Japan would like to enhance collaboration with other Asian countries, presenting possibilities for space development and utilization. The Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) was formed in 1993 under Japan's initiative to discuss the promotion of space utilization, and has been held almost every year since. In December 2008, Japan and Vietnam co-hosted APRSAF-15 in Vietnam, gathering 65 institutions and seven international organizations from 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is quite significant that such an international meeting has been held 15 times. In 2006, Sentinel Asia was formed to monitor disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. This international project has enabled even nations without satellites to share disaster information, and JAXA's Daichi has made great contributions here. In additional to the Japanese satellite, Sentinel Asia involves an Indian satellite, and Korean and Thai satellites are expected to join the project this year. The more satellites are deployed, the more disaster information can be provided in a timely manner. Asia suffers from many natural hazards, so a project like Sentinel Asia is a very effective tool to protect populations and save lives.
Another program derived from APRSAF is Satellite Technology for the Asia-Pacific Region (STAR), which starts this April. Researchers and leaders from the region will gather at JAXA's Sagamihara campus to jointly develop a small satellite. This program aims to help each of the participating countries develop the capacity to build a satellite of its own in the future.
Another program starting this year is Satellite Application for Environment (SAFE), which aims to observe the Earth's environment from space. The idea was proposed by Japan at APRSAF last year, as an environmental protection measure. All Asian countries ought to unite through space utilization to act on global environmental problems, and JAXA is willing to play a leading role in promoting such projects.
Related Link: International Cooperation
As a spacefaring nation, Japan would like to enhance collaboration with other Asian countries, presenting possibilities for space development and utilization. The Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) was formed in 1993 under Japan's initiative to discuss the promotion of space utilization, and has been held almost every year since. In December 2008, Japan and Vietnam co-hosted APRSAF-15 in Vietnam, gathering 65 institutions and seven international organizations from 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is quite significant that such an international meeting has been held 15 times. In 2006, Sentinel Asia was formed to monitor disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. This international project has enabled even nations without satellites to share disaster information, and JAXA's Daichi has made great contributions here. In additional to the Japanese satellite, Sentinel Asia involves an Indian satellite, and Korean and Thai satellites are expected to join the project this year. The more satellites are deployed, the more disaster information can be provided in a timely manner. Asia suffers from many natural hazards, so a project like Sentinel Asia is a very effective tool to protect populations and save lives.
Another program derived from APRSAF is Satellite Technology for the Asia-Pacific Region (STAR), which starts this April. Researchers and leaders from the region will gather at JAXA's Sagamihara campus to jointly develop a small satellite. This program aims to help each of the participating countries develop the capacity to build a satellite of its own in the future.
Another program starting this year is Satellite Application for Environment (SAFE), which aims to observe the Earth's environment from space. The idea was proposed by Japan at APRSAF last year, as an environmental protection measure. All Asian countries ought to unite through space utilization to act on global environmental problems, and JAXA is willing to play a leading role in promoting such projects.
Related Link: International Cooperation
