Keidanren has compiled a proposal so that the opinions of the business community can be reflected in the Basic Plan on Space Policy, which the government will draw up at the end of this year.

Key Issues

First is the reinforcement of national security. The government should push forward coordination between the areas of national security and civilian use, measures against space debris, and space cooperation with the United States.

Second is the promotion of the space industry. It is necessary to formulate a long-term development program that will contribute to corporate investment and to establish legislation on space activities.

Third is the enhancement of science and technology capabilities. Basic research, applied research and practical research should be promoted.

Strengthening Promotion Structure

Firstly, the government's Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy is expected to fulfill its role of a control tower toward its comprehensive policy promotion.

Secondly, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) should reinforce its cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and give technical support toward industrial development.

Compiling Road Map

A 10-year Road Map should specify steps such as the timing of launching satellites and other equipment by category and of introducing legislation, the scale of operations and how to proceed with cooperation between the public and private sectors.

In the coming five years or so, it is requested that the total number of satellites launched by both the public and private sectors will become seven to 10 per year and that the scale of operations will expand from the current 300 billion yen to 500 billion yen.