Conducting " A Survey on the State of Standardization of Space Transportation Technology"
PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Representative Director, President Executive Officer: Osamu OMOTO) will be conducting the Cabinet Office's research project "Survey on the state of standardization of space transportation technology" (hereinafter referred to as "this survey") in collaboration with the Japan Research Institute, Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Jun UCHIKAWA), which is involved in PPP projects related to meteorological satellites and quasi-zenith satellites, and ASTRO GATE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Akiruno-shi, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Daisuke OIDE), which plans and operates spaceports.
The aim of this survey (running until March 2026) is to strengthen Japan's international competitiveness in the field of space transportation, and it will examine the direction of efforts toward the standardization of technologies and services related to rockets and other transport vehicles and launch sites (spaceports).
■ Purpose and contents of this survey
The increasing use of outer space around the world is driving rapid technological innovation in space transportation services. Japan has also announced a policy to promote research and development of next-generation space transportation technologies, utilize overseas space transportation technologies, and work to develop the necessary systems and environment to realize new space transportation businesses (Basic Plan for Space Policy (Cabinet decision of June 13, 2023)).
While the United States is leading the way in international harmonization of rocket launch regulations overseas, in order to increase Japan's international competitiveness in the field of space transportation, it is necessary to consider the state of domestic codes, standards, and laws and regulations regarding space transportation technologies and services.
This survey will clarify the needs and issues for standardization of technologies and services in Japan's space transportation field, and then consider specific themes that Japan should address, taking into account trends in space transportation systems overseas. In order to promote the creation of momentum for standardization in Japan's space transportation field and to determine the direction of effective specifications and standards, a steering committee consisting of experts from companies and universities will be established to advance the initiative through industry-government-academia collaboration. In addition, in order to conduct continuous consideration, activity plans and activity structures will be developed for the next fiscal year and beyond.
Over the years, we have accumulated technical expertise in infrastructure fields such as airports, ports, and transportation. In this study, we will utilize our wide-ranging and advanced technology and knowledge in the development and operation of social infrastructure to consider ways to standardize the infrastructure that supports the space transportation industry.
Toward realizing our group vision of "Producing the Future," we will continue to contribute to the innovation of space transportation technologies and services that utilize both ground and space in an integrated manner, and actively work to solve social issues on a global scale.