New office will act as 'control tower' for space policy

July 13, 2012

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

A new space strategy office established within the Cabinet Office on July 12 will promote commercial use of Japan’s rocket and satellite technologies.

Responsibility for Japan’s space program has been divided between several ministries, including the science ministry, but Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who has a strong interest in the area, pushed for the creation of the coordinating body.

An immediate focus for the Space Policy Unit will be promoting development of a new positioning satellite system, called the quasi-zenith satellite system, to be launched in 2018, and promoting that technology among Asian nations.

The first head of the office will be Junya Nishimoto, originally from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, who will serve concurrently as space policy councilor, a newly established post.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said the new office would be a "control tower for space policy."

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
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Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (second from right) poses beside the Space Policy Unit's nameplate. Lower House member Shigeki Sato (left), Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national policy, (second from left) and Lower House member Takeo Kawamura stand with him. (Hiroki Endo)

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (second from right) poses beside the Space Policy Unit's nameplate. Lower House member Shigeki Sato (left), Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national policy, (second from left) and Lower House member Takeo Kawamura stand with him. (Hiroki Endo)

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  • Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (second from right) poses beside the Space Policy Unit's nameplate. Lower House member Shigeki Sato (left), Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national policy, (second from left) and Lower House member Takeo Kawamura stand with him. (Hiroki Endo)