Expanding Space Industry Players. JAXA's Evolving Role

Progress in the Four Space Business Categories

Suzuki: We've also been involved in various space businesses. For example, ispace's business ( details here ). From its dawn period until now, we've been helping, in our own small way, by applying methods for securing sponsors to space business, figuring out how to nurture the business.

ispace falls under "Lunar and Planetary Exploration." Beyond that, there's "Space Tourism" in the human spaceflight sector, which gained significant attention with Yusaku Maezawa's stay on the International Space Station in late 2021. Then there's "Utilizing Big Data Obtained from Space via Small Satellites," and additionally , "Internet Services for Regions Lacking Infrastructure." We broadly categorized these into four main areas. ( Details here )

Adding "small rockets" like those from Interstellar Technologies, founded by Takafumi Horie, to these four, we see a 4+1 (rockets or space transportation) framework. Considering this, could you share your thoughts on the progress of space business as of 2022, Mr. Dataki?

Dateki: I believe the area showing significant recent progress is space big data. This involves utilizing data and information captured from space, primarily via satellites, for activities on Earth. Satellite imagery is being actively used even within the current international situation. Furthermore, satellite data can be leveraged for decision-making in agriculture and economic activities, or to understand disaster situations and environmental conditions.

Suzuki: How is JAXA involved in the big data field?

Dataki: Private companies consider not only satellite capabilities but also how people on Earth can utilize the data from those satellites within society. Conversely, they think about what kind of information would make the business viable.

JAXA provides advice to identify technical development paths, based on our accumulated space knowledge and development experience, to determine what kind of information should be obtained from space to meet those corporate objectives. We also offer technical cooperation regarding data processing and refinement.

Suzuki: So you actively provide expertise to private companies, offering quite specific consulting services.

Dataki: Yes. Of course, the companies themselves possess technology, and how our technology can be useful varies. For JAXA, this presents an excellent opportunity to make our accumulated development experience and expertise available to companies more quickly.

Suzuki: The boom in space big data has seen developments unimaginable back in 2016 ( details here ), when we last covered this in Web Dentsu Inc. Compared to six years ago, what has evolved to make this possible?

Dateki: Looking specifically at these past six years, I think the significant advancement has been the development of small satellites aimed at forming constellations (operating multiple satellites as an integrated system). The data business and data solutions we discussed earlier involve launching these small satellites in constellations to capture images and gather data.

In this field, many players have emerged in Japan too, and it's rapidly becoming commercialized. Everyone is successfully launching satellites and acquiring image data, and we've now reached the stage of analyzing that data and figuring out how to use it. The fact that we now have satellites that can be used practically is a major step forward.

Private companies—not just one, but multiple firms—are leveraging their respective strengths to launch and operate satellites.

Space Business 5 Categories. What are Japan's areas of strength?

Suzuki: We've heard about achievements in the space big data field. From your perspective, Mr. Dataki, which of these five areas do you think Japan excels in?

Dataki: Well, I'd say satellite data-related fields for now. How we use the acquired data to create and monetize products is where Japan's technology and business acumen truly shine.

For example, Japan experiences many natural disasters, so we excel at anticipating risks and understanding what information is needed. This ability translates into creating valuable products.

Planetary exploration is an emerging field where Japan is also making its mark. While both the US and Europe are investing heavily, Japan possesses world-class technology, as exemplified by JAXA's renowned Hayabusa mission. This is an area where Japan should definitely aim to lead development.

Space tourism might currently see the US taking the lead in some areas. However, I believe Japan will advance its own unique development path. Promising fields going forward include space tourism and lunar exploration missions, like those being pursued by ispace.

Communications, often referred to as "space internet," are currently led by overseas companies, and Japan's approach is still to be determined. Nevertheless, Japan possesses numerous world-class technologies, such as its communications expertise. By combining these with space, I believe new businesses will emerge.

Suzuki: The company we're working with, ispace, is focused precisely on lunar exploration. The launch is finally approaching in 2022.

Dataki: This year is packed with challenges to the Moon.

Suzuki: Through today's discussion, I understand that JAXA itself has undergone significant change. It's no longer just about JAXA as the subject; space is now being approached as something we all do together.

Dataki: Thank you. As the momentum to utilize space grows, JAXA aims to leverage our accumulated technology and expertise together with everyone. We want this to be utilized globally and become a strength for Japan.

Suzuki: As those of us working closely with clients' challenges, we would like to actively leverage JAXA's strength, which has led this field. We look forward to your continued support.

Dataki: Thank you.

Suzuki: Finally, is there anything you'd like to share with everyone?

Dataki: Our J-SPARC catchphrase includes the phrase "Let's co-create." Historically, "kyousou" (競創) often implied competition, but today I truly feel the emphasis is on "co-creation" – creating together. Rather than competing, we aim for greater heights and better outcomes by creating together. I firmly believe there are still many ways we can transform society using space-derived technologies. I look forward to advancing together with everyone toward this new world.

Suzuki: Thank you. We will do our utmost, however small our contribution may be, to enable co-creation with many clients.