Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� September, 2004

Thirty-ninth Meeting of the Council for Science and Technology Policy Thursday, September 9, 2004 The thirty-ninth meeting of the Council for Science and Technology Policy was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and the "Basic Strategy of Japan for the Development and Use of Space" was decided upon. The basic policy for Japan's space exploration was decided in the "Basic Policy on the Approach to the Future Use and Development of Space" in June 2002. Since then, given the frequent occurrences of troubles in Japan's space development which included the abandonment of the operation of the environment observing satellite "Midori II" and the unsuccessful launching of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle, as well as China's success on the international scene in manned space flight, the situation both in Japan and abroad has drastically changed. Under such circumstances, the basic policy was reviewed envisioning the next ten years so as to compile the "Basic Strategy of Japan for the Development and Use of Space." The Strategy stipulates that, "The basic policy of Japan's space development and use is to maintain far into the future the capacity to launch satellites and space transportation systems independently whenever necessary, while considering the space exploration by other countries, aiming to secure Japan's international status and a viable foundation." It also states that for the time being Japan will not plan for a manned space flight of its own in the next decade, however will implement measures that take into consideration engaging in such projects in the long run in 20 to 30 years' time. At the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "Taking on the challenge of the frontier in development and use of space will greatly contribute to raising Japan's status in the international community. I ask the relevant ministers to continue taking necessary measures."