Space agencies around the world sometimes use each other's ground stations and antennas for daily spacecraft operations. JAXA's spacecraft (satellites and probes) may use systems from overseas agencies in conjunction with JAXA's own antennas and other ground systems in order to communicate. Similarly, the spacecraft of overseas agencies may also utilize JAXA's ground systems.

Individual agencies previously employed their own unique information and communication technologies, which constituted a barrier to mutual use. Accordingly, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) has been promoting the standardization of information and communication technologies in space. SHIGETA Tsutomu discussed the CCSDS's activities.

"CCSDS has been pursuing the standardization of space communication systems for about 40 years and JAXA has taken part in these efforts, serving as CCSDS's secretariat in Japan and coordinating with other agencies. Cooperation among space agencies today is not limited to the mutual use of ground systems but extends broadly to such endeavors as jointly developing spacecraft and addressing common security concerns, and the rules created by the CCSDS function as a lingua franca to facilitate smooth communication."

Lunar exploration and other international space exploration missions have been vigorously launched in recent years, spurring progress in international cooperation and participation by private companies. Standardization of communication systems is necessary to safely operate spacecraft and rovers in multilateral missions involving various countries and agencies.

Furthermore, "international standardization for an interplanetary Internet" is underway, says SUZUKI Kiyohisa, who has been a technical leader in this area.

"The concept of an interplanetary Internet entails creating a communications infrastructure like that of the Earth-based Internet that encompasses other celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars. As a pioneering step, we are working with space agencies in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere on international standardization activities to make a 'Lunar Internet' (LunaNet) a reality."

In building such a communications infrastructure in space, industry-government-academia collaboration and multilateral cooperation are essential, the duo said.

"We are also considering applying Wi-Fi and other information and communication technologies currently in use on Earth to bases on the Moon and elsewhere. That is why we hope to encourage the participation of academia and the private sector in this area and strengthen global cooperation through multilateral partnerships."

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