The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has requested about 215.2 billion yen as JAXA’s budget for the fiscal year ending March FY2023.
The main items in the budgetary request include the following: the research and development for participating in the international space exploration "Artemis Program" proposed by the U.S.; the development of the H3 Launch Vehicle, which is Japan's flagship rocket; the research program for the future space transportation system aimed at drastically reducing costs; the development of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4), which will contribute to disaster prevention and mitigation through high resolution and a broader earth observation swath; the development for the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which aims to return samples from the Martian-sphere first in the world; and the research and development of aviation science and technology for the next generation.
The expenses related to the "Artemis Program" in the budgetary request this time are a total of 38.1 billion yen for the development of core equipment for the Gateway; the development of the new transfer vehicle (HTV-X), which will also to be used as a Gateway supply vehicle; the development of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM); the development for the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission; the research for the lunar polar exploration mission and international space exploration; the research for open innovation in space exploration; and securing human resources for international space exploration by recruiting new Japanese astronauts.
The development of the H3 Launch Vehicle is currently underway with the aim of launching the first test vehicle this fiscal year. After the launch of the first test vehicle, we will conduct technical tests of the engine in the next fiscal year, and based on the results of these tests, we plan to conduct a reliable launch of the second vehicle. MEXT requested approximately 20.5 billion yen as JAXA’s budget to conduct these works.
In addition, based on the "roadmap for future innovative space transportation systems" formulated by MEXT in June this year, we plan to start research and development in the next fiscal year of two types of space transportation systems: (1) the "flagship rocket advanced type;" and (2) the "high frequency return flight type.” MEXT requested about 2 billion yen for the promotion of research and development of elemental technologies to improve the efficiency of engine propulsion and reduce the cost of parts and materials, etc., under the industry-government-academia co-creation system.
As for the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4), we are currently manufacturing and assembling the Proto-Flight Model (PFM), including the satellite bus and the mission equipment, and conducting compatibility tests of the ground equipment. MEXT requested about 9.6 billion yen as the budget to continue to manufacture, maintain, and test them and ensure its launch in the next fiscal year.
As for the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, MEXT requested about 9.2 billion yen as the development budget to ensure the sample return from the Martian moon toward the launch in FY2024 and return to Earth in FY2029.
And for the budget for research and development of next-generation aviation science and technology, MEXT, toward the early realization of decarbonization of the aviation sector, requested approximately 4 billion yen for the following: research and development of aerodynamic drag reduction and weight reduction technologies that will significantly reduce aircraft fuel consumption; research and development of electric hybrid propulsion systems for emission-free (electric propulsion) aircraft; and research and development of low sonic boom demonstration and measurement technologies for silent supersonic passenger aircraft to develop new markets.
In addition to these projects, MEXT newly requested budgets needed for the following: Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager (MOLI) on the International Space Station, which is Japan's first satellite laser altimeter system; “Co-creation Program for Innovative Satellite Observation Missions by Satellite Constellations" for technological development in collaboration between large and small satellite constellations through public-private partnership; “securing human resources for international space exploration” by recruiting new Japanese astronauts who may go on board Gateway and work on the lunar surface; and “high-sensitivity solar ultraviolet spectroscopy satellite (Solar-C)” that observes the temperature of the sun's atmosphere with high sensitivity.
In accordance with the Basic Plan on Space Policy and JAXA's fourth mid-to-long-term objectives, we are committed to our roles and responsibilities and will continue to promote research and development to meet the people’s expectations.

JAXA plans to launch the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2 aboard the fifth Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-5) from the JAXA Uchinoura Space Center on October 1 (Fri), 2021^※. This will be the launch of an Epsilon Launch Vehicle for the first time in about two years and nine months since the fourth launch in January 2019.
“The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2” to be launched this time is the second demonstration opportunity of the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program, which provides opportunities for on-orbit demonstrations of Japan's outstanding technologies and ideas, not only for satellites but also for parts and components.
The commercialization of the demonstration themes aboard “the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-1” launched in January 2019 is already underway based on the results of on-orbit demonstrations for several themes.
The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2 will carry nine satellites and fourteen demonstration themes, including the first satellite developed by students at a technical college in addition to those developed by companies and universities. This time, as we will launch nine satellites, two more than the first launch, we have modified the Epsilon Satellite Mount Structure of the Epsilon Launch Vehicle so that the rocket can handle the combination of more satellites.
The first stage motor of the Epsilon Launch Vehicle was delivered to the Uchinoura Space Center on June 5. Since then, works at the launch site in preparation for the launch scheduled for October 1^※ has been progressing step-by-step.
On August 22, we unveiled three microsatellites out of nine, as well as the Epsilon Satellite Mount Structure (ESMS), which is a component of the Epsilon Launch Vehicle, and the Epsilon Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (E-SSOD), which is the CubeSat deployer.
We are currently in the process of connecting and inspecting all stages of the launch vehicle. All nine satellites are now being loaded onto rockets. We are determined to make this launch a success and achieve results that will lead to the expansion of space utilization.
※as of September,2011

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the National Police Agency (NPA) played the central role in the security operations. In monitoring aircraft operations in restricted airspace in particular, JAXA, at the request of the NPA, provided technical cooperation and operational support through the Disaster Relief Aircraft Information Sharing Network (D-NET).
Since the restricted airspace for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is an airspace that cannot be covered by the air traffic control system developed for passenger aircraft, it was an issue to monitor in real time the flight conditions of airplanes of the National Police Agency, Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan Coast Guard and other governmental organizations flying in this airspace, as well as civilian aircraft. D-NET was developed for the purpose of centrally managing and sharing information on the movements of aircraft of each disaster management agency operating in times of disaster or crisis management. The utilization of D-NET made it possible to grasp the flight status in the restricted airspace in a unified manner. In this way, JAXA was able to contribute to the establishment and operation of a safe and smooth security system. The National Police Agency also acknowledged that the utilization of D-NET was effective for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Recent examples of technical support through D-NET include the use for the torrential rains of July 2020 and the Typhoon No. 19 disaster of 2019 in the disaster response field, and for the G20 Osaka Summit and the Enthronement-related events in the crisis management field. D-NET enabled more efficient and safer response compared with conventional methods in terms of coordination required for the operation and management of helicopters operated individually by disaster management agencies. This was highly evaluated by these agencies.
We will continue our research and development so that D-NET will become a core technology in a new field of airspace including flying cars and airways for the realization of flight operation integration technology that will enable a wide variety of aircraft to fly safely.

Astronaut Hoshide is scheduled to conduct extravehicular activities from around 9:30 p.m. on September 12 to around 4 a.m. on September 13. This will be the fourth EVA for Astronaut Hoshide, who conducted three EVAs during his long-duration stay on ISS Expeditions 32 and 33 in 2012.
This EVA will be conducted to install a mount for the foundation in preparation for the installation of new solar arrays (panels). This is the same work as Astronaut Noguchi performed during his EVA in March this year. Other work will include the replacement of the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU). This device measures the electric potential of the ISS, and is used to measure and acquire data necessary for measures against charging and discharging on the surface of the ISS solar arrays and structures. These devices are indispensable for the ISS operations, and we believe that JAXA is entrusted with an important mission. I am confident that Astronaut Hoshide will perform his duties precisely as a JAXA astronaut.

After completing a long-duration mission on the ISS for 166 days, about five and a half months, from November last year to May this year, Astronaut Noguchi returned to Earth safely. On September 29 (Wed), JAXA will hold a long-duration mission debriefing to report on the achievement of Astronaut Noguchi, which will be broadcast live on the JAXA YouTube channel.
Astronaut Noguchi himself will introduce and explain his fourth extravehicular activity and various missions on the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.” In addition, we would like to deepen discussions with our guests on the fact that this mission was challenging in various ways and the future prospects of manned space activities in low Earth orbit. We hope that people will view the debriefing and enjoy it.