Human Space Exploration
Muroyama: Regardless of manned or unmanned, now we would like to talk about how Japan should proceed with space exploration. I guess this topic has to do with the vision of Japan’s future as a country. Please let us hear your opinions.
Nishimoto: I think Japan should use science and technology to contribute to the advancement of humanity. In terms of space applications, we are planning to use satellites to establish a Disaster Management Network for the ASEAN Region. If each Asian country can participate in operating satellite systems and sharing the data, it will become possible to obtain disaster information almost in real time. I believe that Japan will be able to contribute to the world by offering technology for satellites and ground systems and helping develop human resources.
I said earlier that Japan’s space policy must have a balance of three elements: the advancement of science and technology, industrial development, and the enhancement of national security. To maintain Japan’s autonomy, we must pursue a broad expansion of space applications and a strong industrial base. Although the space industry’s market is small, it is broad – there are many industries that use space technology. By further expanding the applications, we will be able to promote our space industry and reinforce our industrial base, in order to secure Japan’s autonomy. This is the roadmap we have designed for Japanese space exploration.
Ohtake: I think that the ideal situation for Japan is to lead the world with science and technology. It is important to have the attitude of aiming for something new to lead the world. Similarly, in space exploration, I think it is important to try various things that fall within Japan’s strengths. For example, the technology of the H–II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI, which carries supplies to the ISS, is highly regarded around the world. This is an area where Japan is strong. Currently, after delivering supplies to the space station, KOUNOTORI burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere, also incinerating refuse it picks up from the ISS. Personally, I think it is worth trying to develop the technology to return the vehicle to Earth. And regarding whether we will further develop the technology for human spaceflight, I hope that a concrete scenario will be designed, and that the public will be asked for input.
Miura: It is important to establish systems all of Asia can implement together, not only in economics and politics, but also in science and technology. I think that what Asian countries expect from Japan is the promotion of innovation, including the development of human resources, so we would like to pursue this proactively.
Aoki: I think a deciding factor for the future of space exploration is Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBM). While environmental problems on Earth are becoming more serious, each country tries in its areas of strength to make the planet a better place, using observation data collected on the ground or from space. This is what TCBM is for. And, in terms of the vitality of the private sector, I think it will be important to establish a system for sub-orbital flight in order to make space culture more available and familiar.
Miura: I think the current economic and political slump in Japan is like the end of the Edo Period. It is time to start an Asia–Pacific restoration and show the world that Japan will make a comeback.
Dupas: I think that we are in a transition period for human space exploration. In the near future, the world will be asked to decide on the next human exploration project after the ISS program, on whether a manned lunar mission will happen or not. I am glad that I’ve had a chance to discuss these topics with our international partners like this.
Logsdon: NASA is planning to launch a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s. The procedure and methods will be decided in due course, but if it turns out to be an international joint project, I cannot imagine the scenario without Japan’s participation.
Yakovlev: I think that Japan has made very good accomplishments through its participation in the ISS program. Space exploration involves a wide range of activities, such as human exploration, unmanned exploration, infrastructure development, and the promotion of the space industry. I hope that Japan will continue to work on these activities.
Ohtake: I think that what is important is to conduct research and development that reflects the needs of the public, and to carry out space exploration that will not betray people’s dreams. I also hope that Japan’s advanced level of science and technology will raise its position in the international community.
Nishimoto: I don’t think that the future of humanity can be ensured without innovation. Japan has innovative technologies, and should never stop using technology to contribute to our evolution, and also propagating its technologies across Asia and beyond.
Muroyama: Regardless of manned or unmanned, we cannot deny that perspectives from space offer us new values and indicate the direction we should take. In that sense, like Mr. Miura said, I think it is important to look at ”space” in the context of the great flow of Civilization, and to continue to have a lot of discussions about the future of space exploration. I don’t think that there is enough such discussion in Japan, so this symposium was a very good opportunity to talk about it.
The First International Space Exploration Symposium Panel Discussion 1: The Significance of Human Space Exploration
The First International Space Exploration Symposium Panel Discussion 2: Challenge to Human Space Exploration
