Q: One of JAXA's missions is "to develop quality-of-life space technology that will help build a society in which people can live safer, richer lives." What do you think about this mission?
A: I'm not that well informed in the field, but the first thing that comes to my mind is weather forecasts. If we have more satellites working up there, the accuracy should improve greatly.
We are getting more data and information from manned and unmanned space exploration, telling us about things we did not know. I believe they will have a great impact on environmental control.
The environmental problem is not just about recycling and "green and clean." We need to explore and learn more about our atmosphere. It is a proven fact that the atmosphere contains many elements that have influence on our health. We can safely say that the exploration of our atmosphere is a part of space exploration. Looking for and finding out about the unknown, that is precisely what the "X" of JAXA stands for -- Exploration.
Another possible field to be tapped, apart from atmospheric exploration, environmental and health problems, and weather forecasts, is the need for precise information gathering. For example, if we are to have spaceship-like aircraft flying in the near future, our skies will be very crowded. This calls for greatly improved technologies to gather precise information.
We all know that satellites play an important role in our car navigation systems and entertainment industries. It has become such an everyday business that we hardly ever notice it now. We are getting heaps of information from satellites without making any fuss about it.
In this sense, things that may look impossible today could become simple facts of life in ten years' time. I think there are plenty of possibilities for new discoveries and new developments from space exploration to make huge contributions to our daily lives. |
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Q: Personally, do you have any dreams towards space or space explorations?
A: Personally, if there was a very safe spaceship, I would certainly like to ride in one. I'd love to experience space exploration myself, reaching way up over where we ordinary citizens usually fly in airplanes. If I could my three-year-old grandchild with me, it should be great fun!
[ Interview : October 29, 2003 ]
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