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Students Initiate Space Network In the summer of 2003, a meeting of the SPACE Development Forum took place at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. The meeting was planned and hosted by students of the social sciences, and focused on the business, law and public-policy aspects of space development instead of science and engineering. We are pleased to carry an article contributed by Mr. Hiroki Tajima, a student of the Law & Policy Program at the Graduate School of Public Policy Studies of the University of Tokyo. JAXA supports young people who aim for the universe. -The Editorial Department of the official JAXA website / Hiroki Tajima, representative of the SPACE Development Forum Executive Committee (Law & Policy Program, Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, University of Tokyo) Hiroki Tajima Photo
Discussion of problems related to space debris (July 28, 2003)


It is often said that the existence of the universe enables people to dream. This spring, many people started a new life. Some students started high school or university, and many young people graduated from university and became full-fledged members of society, with a strong determination to achieve their hopes of being involved in projects related to the dream-inspiring universe.

Something else happened this spring as well: a network was born of people determined to take an active part in space-related fields. This is not just a network of colleagues within their own workplace or school; it is a nationwide organization that connects its members with like-minded people elsewhere and allows them to initiate activities by sharing information. It is unique because it involves people all over Japan - from Hokkaido to Kyushu - whose specialties vary widely, from art, economics, law, politics and education, to engineering, science and medicine. It is also worthwhile to mention that there are no generational boundaries in this network; its membership ranges from high-school students to full-fledged members of society.

The SPACE Development Forum (SDF) executive committee is a student organization founded in November 2002. The SDF has been playing an important role in the expansion of this network of space enthusiasts. In July 2003, for instance, we hosted an SDF meeting that was sponsored by JAXA.

Major activities of the SDF fall into three categories.


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