— Latest update: May 2023 —
Japan’s aerospace industry has a strong international reputation, particularly in the field of research and development (R&D). Recently, however, it has shifted its focus from R&D to the commercialization of space technology. The Basic Space Law, enacted in 2008, has paved the way for the development of Japan’s space industry, and Japan’s key strategy for space is still developing and growing today.
There are many actors associated with the Japanese space program, including government ministries, offices, and agencies. The most important one is the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the governmental agency active in this sector with tasks and technologies that include launch systems, satellite development and further operations.
Examples of Japanese innovations in this field are the H-II rocket and its H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), which supports and cooperate with the International Space Station (ISS), Japan’s first solid-fuel Epsilon rocket launched in 2013 and the H3 rocket, realized to be H-II's successor and that will be soon shot into space after some experimental launches.
One of the many objectives of Japan’s space policy is to integrate space infrastructure for social purposes and to stimulate economic growth.
SJAC, Japanese Aerospace Industry – 2023, 2023
ESPI, Securing Japan, an assessment of Japan’s strategy for space, 2020
International Trade Administration, Japan Space Industry Commercialization, 2021
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Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.
The EU-Japan Centre’s activities are subject to the allocation of a Grant Agreement by the European Commission for 2024-2026