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 The Significance of Space Development
Since the launch of the first artificial satellite almost fifty years ago, the utilization of space has become indispensable for life on Earth. Satellites now play a crucial role in maintaining our way of life. They are used in weather forecasting (like, for example, the meteorological satellite Himawari), monitoring natural disasters and the global environment, communications, broadcasting, etc. And of course, space science has another purpose as well: it is an integral part of our search for the origins of life on Earth - a search that is essential to guaranteeing a prosperous future for humanity. In other words, we cannot function today without satellites. Although scientists have studied many different means of launching satellites into orbit, rockets remain the most reliable method. Hence, rocket research is an important part of space development.
If Japan Did Not Have Rockets
What would become of Japan without rockets?
Since no other transportation method
is available, if Japan wanted to transport something into space, we would have
no choice but to use a foreign country's rocket and launch facilities. Since
a rocket cannot be purchased like an airplane, Japan would have to procure the
launch from a foreign country.
In such a case, there would be no guarantee that
the launch would be carried out in line with our request. Furthermore, we would
have to take on the risks involved in transporting delicate precision hardware
overseas. But most importantly, Japan would become dependent on other countries
for activities that are vital to its economic health. That would compromise
Japan's economic and political independence and weaken its position on the international
stage.Today, nations that have hitherto relied on other countries for satellite
technology and launches, are starting to do the work themselves. Brazil and
South Korea, for example, are building domestic launch facilities and developing
their own rockets. This trend indicates that more and more nations are becoming
aware that space development needs to be a vital part of the national infrastructure,
and that autonomy in this area is important. |
If Japan Did Not Have Rockets
What would become of Japan without rockets?
Since no other transportation method
is available, if Japan wanted to transport something into space, we would have
no choice but to use a foreign country's rocket and launch facilities. Since
a rocket cannot be purchased like an airplane, Japan would have to procure the
launch from a foreign country.
In such a case, there would be no guarantee that
the launch would be carried out in line with our request. Furthermore, we would
have to take on the risks involved in transporting delicate precision hardware
overseas. But most importantly, Japan would become dependent on other countries
for activities that are vital to its economic health. That would compromise
Japan's economic and political independence and weaken its position on the international
stage.Today, nations that have hitherto relied on other countries for satellite
technology and launches, are starting to do the work themselves. Brazil and
South Korea, for example, are building domestic launch facilities and developing
their own rockets. This trend indicates that more and more nations are becoming
aware that space development needs to be a vital part of the national infrastructure,
and that autonomy in this area is important. |
The Ability to Build a Large-Scale System
Rocket technology is not just another element of the space program; its significance
goes far beyond the ability to launch satellites. The development of rockets
is a test of a country's technological capability - its ability to build large-scale
systems. A rocket consists of around 300,000 parts, roughly three times the
number required for an automobile. Building and operating such a large-scale
system requires a corresponding standard of technological skill and the most
advanced technology. Such skills and technologies can be transferred to other
fields, greatly increasing a nation's overall technological advancement.
Japan
upholds the "Science and Technology Oriented Nation" policy, which
promotes science and technology as the basis for national economic growth. Rocket
development plays an important role in maintaining and improving advanced science
and technology.
In recent years, research in the life sciences and nanotechnology
has been growing in importance both around the world and in Japan. This, I think,
indicates that we believe these fields will be important to us in the future.
Therefore, to guarantee Japan's self-reliance, we need to build up our know-how
and technological capabilities in these fields without depending on other countries.
In the near future, space may become even more important for our wellbeing, and
also become an even more lively place of activity. To make autonomous space activities
possible, Japan needs to have its own rockets, and it is extremely important
to conduct research and development for this purpose today.
At the same
time, we are actively pursuing international collaboration, in the form of projects
such as the International Space Station. There are many things that cannot be
accomplished by one country working on its own, and when ideas are brought together
through international collaboration, a better direction for space development
can often be found. A country's ability to contribute to such collaborative projects
is directly proportional to its technological capabilities, so the sophistication
of its domestic projects and its technological strength remain important. In
spite of its recent failure, the capability of Japan's H-IIA Launch Vehicle is
still highly regarded around the world.
We are determined to further consolidate
our rocket technology and enhance its reliability, in order to secure Japan's
lifeline and to contribute to the international community. |
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