
Tanegashima Space Center is seen in September 2019.
13:21 JST, May 20, 2022
The government is planning to bolster and expand facilities for launching domestically produced rockets, amid a worldwide shortage of rockets and related facilities exacerbated by Russia’s suspension of foreign satellite launches.
Specifically, storage facilities for rocket engines and other components at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture will be expanded. This will shorten pre-launch preparation time and increase launch frequency, thus helping to meet the rapidly increasing demand for domestic and overseas rocket services.
Furthermore, technologies that can simultaneously put multiple small satellites into orbit are set to be developed and installed on the next mainstay, domestically produced H3 rocket. This equipment will meet the growing demand for so-called satellite constellations, which provide communication services and other functions by linking together numerous small satellites.
The government also intends to place orders to launch small rockets, with an eye on helping Japanese space-related start-ups turn small rocket-development ventures into sustainable businesses.
The government will include these goals in the roadmap of the Basic Plan on Space Policy to be revised at the end of the year.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
ASDF Transport Planes Arrive in Djibouti, Setting Up Evacuation of Japanese from Iran, Israel
-
Poll: Japan’s LDP Likely to Lose Seats in Proportional Representation Segment; DPFP, Sanseito Expected to Gain More Seats in Upper House
-
Japan Survey Finds Only 22% of Respondents Trust U.S.; Significant Drop From Joint Poll After Election
-
Japan to Export Used Destroyers to Philippines, as Both Countries Look to Counter China on Seas
-
Upper House Election: 16 Constituencies See Head-to-head ‘Ruling vs Opposition’ Races; Opposition Parties More Coordinated than 3 Years Ago
JN ACCESS RANKING
-
5-Kilogram Bag of Rice Price Falls Below ¥4,000: 1st Time in 4 Months
-
Japan’s Agriculture Ministry Starts Survey of Rice Farmers Across Japan on Production Outlook
-
Japan’s Core Inflation Hits 2-year High, Keeps Rate-Hike Bets Alive
-
Japan to Collaborate with 3 European Countries on Infrastructure Development; Will Work With Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic to Build Railroads, Energy Systems
-
Typhoon Nari Approaching Japan’s Kanto Region; Heavy Rain, Strong Wind Expected on Monday