Japan’s space program is managed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA, established in 2003, conducts various projects for space research, satellite development, manned space flights, and more. Some of the program’s significant achievements are as follows:
- Hayabusa Missions: Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 are missions conducted to collect samples from asteroids. Hayabusa successfully collected samples from the Itokawa asteroid in 2005. Hayabusa2 successfully carried out a mission with the Ryugu asteroid in 2019.
- Kibo Space Laboratory: Kibo, JAXA’s module on the International Space Station (ISS), is an important platform for space research. Japanese astronauts are conducting various experiments here.
- Space Telescopes: JAXA has developed telescopes capable of observing in space. The Hitomi telescope was launched in 2016 to study X-rays, but shortly after, it lost communication.
- Mizusawa Project: Japan is also conducting research projects on water resources in space.
Japan places great importance on both national and international collaborations in space research, particularly developing joint projects with NASA and the European Space Agency. Space tourism and sending humans to Mars are also among the future plans.
Japan has successfully tested space with a heavy-duty rocket. JAXA carried out a successful test launch of the H3 heavy-duty launch vehicle. The first test, which took place a year ago, ended in failure. The rocket was launched from the Tanegashima Satellite Launch Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 0:22 Tokyo time [i]. The rocket will launch two satellites into orbit. H3 is Japan’s main launch vehicle for launching payloads into orbit. The device can launch a payload weighing more than four tons into a sun-synchronous orbit and about eight tons into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.[ii]
Work on developing the next-generation H3 heavy-lift rocket began 10 years ago to replace the current H2A launch vehicle, which has been operational since 2001 and is expected to be phased out next fiscal year, starting in April. With Saturday’s launch, the country is seeking to confirm the rocket’s ability to control its positioning and deploy satellites. In addition to satellite launches, the H3 launch vehicle can deliver materials and materials to the International Space Station and Gateway, an outpost in lunar orbit planned as part of the US-led Artemis space program.[iii]
Another microsatellite, TIRSAT, developed by Japan Space Systems and others, was also launched into orbit. According to JAXA, TIRSAT has an infrared thermal imaging camera that can monitor temperatures in factories around the world and help in supply chain monitoring.[iv]
It’s worth noting that while Japan’s H3 will offer flexible, reliable and cost-effective satellite transportation options, international competition is already intense, with SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket providing countries and businesses with cheaper options for getting their satellites into space. The H3 also competes with the European Ariane 6, which is expected to debut later this year.[v] And despite being a relatively small player in space in terms of number of launches, Japan is seeking to reinvigorate its program as it partners with ally the United States, all in the context of a global standoff with China. An active space race is currently unfolding between China, the United States and their allies, including working with private companies.[vi]
To summarize, we can say that Japan, in partnership with the United States, is actively resuming its space program and launching successful projects, which gives reasons to consider Japan as a new promising Asian actor in this market.
[i] “Japan successfully launches next-generation H3 rocket after failure last year”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/japan-launches-h3-rocket-year-after-failed-first-flight-2024-02-17/#:~:text=TOKYO%2C%20Feb%2017%20(Reuters),last%20year’s%20inaugural%20flight%20failed, (Date Access: 17.02.2024).
[ii] “About H3 Launch Vehicle”, JAXA, https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/h3/, (Date Access: 17.02.2024).
[iii] “Japan succeeds in launching new H3 rocket nearly 1 year after failure”, Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/20240217/4e892f5e72024ad88fb6dc25a9429cc8/c.html#:~:text=Japan%20succeeds%20in%20launching%20new%20H3%20rocket%20nearly%201%20year%20after%20failure, (Date Access: 17.02.2024).
[iv] “Japan’s space agency successfully launches latest H3 rocket”, The Japan Times, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/02/17/japan/science-health/japan-h3-rocket-retry/, (Date Access: 17.02.2024).
[v] “First Ariane 6 flight model ships to Europe’s Spaceport”, ESA, https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/First_Ariane_6_flight_model_ships_to_Europe_s_Spaceport#:~:text=Ariane%206%20is%20an%20all,example%20to%20orbit%20satellite%20constellations, (Date Access: 12.02.2024).
[vi] “In moon race with China, U.S. setbacks test role of private firms”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/science/moon-race-with-china-us-setbacks-test-role-private-firms-2024-01-12/, (Date Access: 12.01.2024).
