On February 27, 2003, within the Liberal Democratic Party, the Parliamentary Union (Chairman: Akira Amari Representative, Director General: Tokio Kano Councillor) was formed. On October 17, 2003, Japan's cabinet approved a Basic Energy Plan, giving high priority to the long-term development of space energy utilization systems. Space energy utilization systems are used to collect solar power in space and transmit it to a fixed or mobile receiver, via microwaves or laser, for utilization on Earth. By the end 2010 to 2020, we aim to provide: - An energy supply for operational satellites that don't have solar array paddles, such as weather satellite, and also for lunar rovers and a lunar-surface astronomical observatory - Propulsion energy and power supply infrastructure for manned space explorers To achieve this, we will continue to work on improving efficiency and reliability, and reducing the cost of space activity. For the use of space energy on Earth, we intend to create: - A million-kilowatt space-based solar-power generation system, to supply clean power alongside earth-based power sources - A hydrogen manufacturing system that will make mass production and a reliable supply possible by around 2020 - Production of biomass on a large scale by farming seaweed We aim to commercialize these projects by 2020 to 2030, helping develop sustainable energy sources for the economy of the entire world, and contributing to solving Earth's environmental and energy problems. Currently, 40 JAXA staff and 150 researchers from industrial organizations and universities are involved in our project. *The image on the right shows a commercial hydrogen manufacturing system that collects solar power, transmits it to the ground, decompose s seawater, and produces hydrogen. MORE >>