These are Big Bang–sized opportunities! The smart, practical way to use space
Space used to be just a realm of dreams and rare scientific exploration, but now that it is regard to small debris, which is difficult Although you may think space markets is possible if you can provide becoming a realistic business field, how should businesses proceed? to remove, another measure is to equipment needs higher performance solutions based on tested technologies We are looking at two companies for the answer: ASTROSCALE Pte. Ltd., which is a private determine the distribution and sizes of and is hard to develop, there is already and business models responding to the debris by using small satellites so existing equipment that can be used in needs.” Because small satellites have company working on the issue of removing space debris, and Weathernews Inc., which uses their as to prevent collisions in advance. space if they are protected against the been improved, entry into space own satellites to strengthen their services. A Japanese subsidiary which was environmental dangers of space, such business is possible without established as a base of research and as UV and radiation. The strength of astronomical expenses. development in April 2015 is making private companies is their ability to “In Europe, 200 companies were We tackle the challenges of Nobu Okada, CEO of the company, We were wondering if we could progress in the development of freely cooperate with companies of engaged in space ventures in 2013. But says “The amount of debris bigger than overcome the situation by developing space through flexible and satellites, aiming to launch satellites for various scales throughout a broad this increased by 100 companies in one 10 centimeters is thought to be in excess removal technologies and demonstrating effective development debris removal in 2017 and satellites for range of industries. Therefore, we want year, and the space industry is facing a of 20,000 pieces. That number is the methods and funding necessary to A massive amount of information, observation in the second half of 2016. to proceed with such development in a situation like that of the emerging increasing year after year, and it causes achieve our goals.” including broadcasting and President Miki Ito has made the flexible and effective manner.” Internet in the 1990s. damage, such as collisions with communication signals, weather and Astroscale has two strategies in mind. following statement: The key points of entry into spacecraft and the malfunctions in As more companies enter into this current geographical positions is being One method is to burn and dispose of space ventures are making satellites. Although it is certain that the large debris by using small “Japan is more concerned with the industry, it will only increase in vitality. transmitted to us through satellites in removal of debris is necessary, every satellites to allow the debris to issues of debris than other countries strong resolutions and However, if you want to utilize space for space, and space is already a part of country is slow to proceed with the re-enter the atmosphere. In are. In addition, in Japan, there are establishing business plans business, you need to make a the essential infrastructure of our daily measures for doing so because the many companies which have superior Astroscale has followed business plans resolution to commercialize it by taking lives. An increasing number of cost for removal is unclear and there technologies that are contributing to steadily since its establishment in 2013. the initiative in finding capital without companies are using space as a field are issues with the financial burden and solving the issue. Mr. Okada says, “Financing from depending on support such as and means of business. Astroscale is a establishment of rules. Singapore-based company, which works on the issue of space debris.
12 METI Journal The smart, practical way to use space METI Journal 13 (Left) Mr. Nobu Okada CEO, ASTROSCALE PTE. LTD. SPACE The use of space is BUISINESS Graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Tokyo. Completed MBA at Purdue 2 University. Established new business abroad an effective choice after gaining work experience at the Ministry of Finance and McKinsey & Company, and established ASTROSCALE Pte. Ltd. for business. (Right) Ms. Miki Ito President, Astroscale Japan Inc. Circle, on the sea, and high in the issues such as a capacity shortage for Completed the master’s course in aerospace mountains. Furthermore, the company frequency control. In the meantime, as engineering at the Graduate School of Nihon can understand the conditions of the small satellite performance is improving University. Participated in the Hodoyoshi Project and engaged in the development of the sea and ground surfaces through both and the growth of space-related HODOYOSHI-3 and -4. images and the reflection of radio venture companies is being seen waves. The company has around the world, the environment is CLICK! ASTROSCALE PTE. LTD. comprehensively considered the becoming ripe for private companies to advantages of having its own satellites have their own satellites. We will for its business of providing weather improve the precision and function of information and associated solutions, the planned satellite, and we will also and so it decided to launch the satellite. consider new applications such as company plans to launch a new, even Dr. Yamamoto talked about his visions using our satellites for communication SPACE Confronting the worldwide more precise satellite within a year. with ships.” When appropriate business BUISINESS for the future: “As long as there is Satellites provide choice in issue of space debris with information which we can get only from models are applied to achieve specific 1 responding to the needs of our needs-based goals, space-based space, it is certain that the use of space Dr. Masaya Yamamoto our own technologies. customers will be an effective choice for business. enterprises can be profitable. In the future, space will become a more Director, Weathernews Inc. Dr. Yamamoto is of the opinion that For the future, it will be necessary for Completed doctoral program of when considering the use of space for the government to proceed with common facet of businesses. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Graduate School of subsidies. So, in addition to the Yamamoto, a director of the company, business, one must give the highest establishing systems that can handle Engineering, the University of Tokyo. Completed doctoral degrees at the same physical technologies, strategies and explains the advantages: “Although priority to the needs of customers. graduate school. Entered Weathernews business plans are also essential. And, there were other satellites from external Inc. after receiving work experience in Once those needs are understood, one Space Systems Div., Hitachi, Ltd. I think that it is important to maintain an organizations which could provide should investigate the time and cost positive attitude in gaining technologies, high-precision images, the per-image requirements for developing satellites, CLICK! Weathernews Inc. human resources and funds by cost was high. Having our own satellites and only consider use of space as an leveraging various opportunities from a allows us to get a lot of quality option if one is truly able to leverage the global point of view despite any barriers information while reducing the costs. specific information obtained from which may exist between the public and Also, having our own source of space. By using satellites, the company private sectors.” information allows us to strengthen risk can collect information from a wider 7000 nm Supporting safe operation in management.” area and it is easier to get information 7600 nm the Arctic Ocean based on The satellite was the world’s first private from terrestrial locations where it is information from satellites. weather satellite which succeeded in difficult to set up observation providing weather images. The instruments, such as within the Arctic Europe There is another company which aims Europe to strengthen its current business by Tokyo Ice in the Arctic Ocean melts, and the leveraging space. That company is shortest routes to the east coast of North Weathernews, a company that provides 11000 nm America and Europe form Asia are open. weather information. The company
14 METI Journal The smart, practical way to use space METI Journal 15 The world is starting to recognize Japanese reliability Transition Supporting Space from Overseas Market Development is government Industry by Improving the demands to Moving Ahead! private demands Business Environment! Japan is developing a presence in space-related industries, previously dominated by the U.S., Europe, Russia and a few other countries. We will introduce two examples to demonstrate the After the establishment of the Basic Space Law in 2008 and the formulation of the Basic specific outcomes Japan has achieved in the global market. Plan on Space Policy in 2009, the government has positioned the space industry as one of In addition, we interviewed a METI official about the areas he is passionate about and other Japan’s strategic industries and intends to develop the industry. matters. METI supports the overseas development of this industry. To ensure this development, the government is improving the business environment, including legal systems.
The Japanese space industry historically focused mainly on “government demand” Vitalization of the “user industries” is a meaning that it was funded from the key to overall expansion of space industry! national budget. However, the situation has been changing gradually. The Spacecraft Industry includes That is, the market for space satellites, rockets, ground facilities, development has become active through and associated software. advancements in the utilization of space The Space Utilization Service Industry by private companies, the generation of is a service industry that provides venture companies, and other factors. satellite communication, satellite launch services, and data from space. Spacecraft For the purpose of accelerating this Growing demand from the “user industry trend, the government has carried industries” who use services such as satellite broadcasting/ forward the formulation of two laws due communication, positioning CASE CASE1 Receiving the first order for a CASE CASE2 Japanese rocket launching to the fact that both legal frameworks (including geographical surveys and satellite from Arab states through technology has also been highly transportation), and remote sensing valued overseas and the future prospects based on those 1 government and private sector 2 (applied to agriculture, forestry, cooperation frameworks are vital components for fishery, and other industries) will naturally increase the availability of companies to develop businesses. Space utilization The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation received an order for a communication Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. received an order for transportation services these services in the market. service industry satellite from the national telecom carriers in the State of Qatar. The satellite involving the launch of a communication/ broadcasting satellite from Telesat, First, under the Legislation for Space is to be used for private broadcasting services by Al Jazeera and for a leading satellite operator in Canada. This was the first time that the Activities, the launch of a satellite would The Space-Related Consumer government communication services. The company competed for the company, which has offered this service since 2007, has received an order for need authorization and supervision by Appliance Industry includes GPS contract with the U.S. and European companies and, finally, through a commercial satellite. For the successful completion of this order, they are mobile devices, satellite television government and private sector joint activities, including suggesting inter- going to leverage the outcomes of the improvement of the second stage of the government. Additionally, the law services, and vehicle navigation systems. Regarding this industry, new governmental cooperation, the company succeeded in becoming the first the H-IIA Launch Vehicle by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). would include the introduction of a devices will be supplied to the market Japanese company to receive an order for a satellite from the Arab states. As The company was selected from among numerous business operators compensation system for damage to a by enriching the content of the Space-related this is the first procurement of a satellite in Qatar’s history, Mitsubishi Electric throughout the world because of its experiences in technical and operational services available to the user. consumer device Corporation offered additional cooperation for human resources development areas, its flexibility in terms of launch schedule, and the performance of its third party caused by the failure launch User industry groups of a satellite. Furthermore, in the Satellite industry regarding mission control and beyond. This is considered to be one factor in rockets and other factors. In fact, the success rate of H-IIA launching has receiving a high evaluation. been over 95%. Remote Sensing Law, requirements for appropriate controls to prevent private sector abuse of remote sensing data would be denoted. Through these means, the government will clarify what companies can legally do their business and the rules that they must follow in COLUMN pursuing their business. The promotion of space system exports - Let’s incorporate the In addition, the government reviewed and Various experimental instruments were loaded in dynamism of the overseas space markets - revised the Basic Plan on Space Policy the cargo transfer vehicle, KOUNOTORI 5. (the comprehensive strategy for space Q Q Q policy) in January 2015. In the The KOUNOTORI 5 was What are the primary affairs What work has impressed Please tell us what future subsequent discussions, both the successfully launched on August 19, 2015. In addition to of the Space Industry Office? you the most? areas you are enthusiastic expansion of private sector use in the food and water for crew about. space industry and the launch of a task members on the International Shine in the The space industry We introduced METI’s force for the overseas development of Space Station (ISS), Although our new entry into space field, A market is expected to A efforts to the Agencia A the space equipment Japanese KOUNOTORI 5 carried some industry has been difficult since the space systems have been listed as grow significantly along with Espacial Mexicana (Mexican technologies! experimental apparatus with Space Agency) at the Japan- industry requires a high degree of important policy themes. the expanding demand from quality assurance, the companies “Transition from government demand to small animals, ultra-small emerging countries and the Mexico Dialogue on Space manufacturing space equipment satellites, etc. emerging businesses led by the which was held in the summer are very proud of their work since it private demand” means that the IT industry. Therefore, we have of 2014. contributes to space development. On the ISS, there are plans for In the Japanese space industry, jointly held seminars with In February 2015, we held a government also supports further growth where domestic government Nao Takada research on aging using small joint seminar in Mexico with of the space industry through the multi- foreign companies, including demand accounts for 90% of the Assistant Director (for animals, and these studies are communicating with national other relevant organizations. entire demand, I really hope that JAXA／NASA faceted improvement of the business expected to result in new and international space agencies From then on we have Japanese technologies contribute International Cooperation) and companies, in order to discussed mutual cooperation. to the space development all over of the Space Industry Office, environment for private companies. business seeds. the world through support for new export Japanese satellites, companies entering in the space Aerospace and Defense launching services, etc. industry and for their overseas Industry Division, expansion.
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©2012 JTB Corporate Sales Inc. Hanairo Ryokan ITO EN, LTD. Association Providing tourists with new value Confirming an optimal date for tea by using high-accuracy positional harvesting using satellite images, etc. information The timing of tea harvesting is important to ensure JTB Corporate Sales Inc. has linked high-accuracy, positional information consistency in the quality of tea cultivation. Thus, ITO EN, from a quasi-zenith satellite with smartphone-based applications. The company has planned tours to entertain participants with a variety of LTD. enables cultivators to visually monitor the growth of tea presentations. leaves by installing camera sensors at contracted tea In a tour involving the collaboration of voice actors in an animated film titled gardens. At the same time, the company started utilizing Hanasaku Iroha, the participants started a telephone software application satellite photographs to check the differences in growth at predetermined AR (augmented reality) points, allowing them to take Space between a wider range of farms, which enables less commemorative photos with animated characters and to listen to a guided experienced farmers to produce high quality tea leaves. In Space sightseeing tour conducted by the animation's voice actors. The company and the future, the company aims to develop a “tea-harvesting is hoping to provide new value in sightseeing tourism that allows the support system,” which links satellite photographs with and participants to experience such a special atmosphere. Tourism sensor information.
CLICK! JTB Corporate Sales Inc. (in Japanese) 3D Maps CLICK! ITO EN, LTD.
Monitoring the growth of NTT DATA Corporation Space business, tea leaves in the entire tea garden with satellite images Generating 3D topographic data Space showing undulations of terrain where the possibilities and covering the land of the entire world For the first time in the world history, NTT DATA Corporation Agriculture and Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan have Camera generated and distributed World 3D Topographic Data sensors showing undulations of terrain covering the land of the entire are endless Tea leaves world, accomplishing 5-meter resolution by using satellite Space is not only a special place but a tool used for promoting our own business —. images. They have improved the precision of the conventional 30-meter resolution by satellite’s high-frequency Currently, the number of companies that develop new businesses and services with attitude data through the use of their own proprietary space in mind is steadily increasing. algorithms. The data is expected to be utilized for various Let’s take a look at some advanced examples of space businesses purposes, including infrastructure development in emerging influencing our lives and jobs. countries and natural disaster prevention.
CLICK! NTT DATA Corporation - World 3D Topographic Data
Panasonic Avionics Corporation Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Space Communications satellites and Wi-Fi access is available on aircraft by means of Supporting automatic flight of unmanned Wi-Fi sending and receiving data via satellites helicopters using satellite communication networks Panasonic Avionics Corporation has provided a service that allows Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has installed a GPS on almost all of the industrial passengers on an aircraft to access the Wi-Fi via satellites by installing unmanned helicopters that are used for pesticide spraying, etc. in Japan. devices on the aircraft that are capable of sending and receiving data The company has made use of the GPS to dramatically improve through the satellites. The company has realized a broadband maneuverability and to prevent improper use of the helicopters. The Space connection on a flying aircraft, which was once considered impossible. advantages of unmanned helicopters which can fly and navigate using In the future, passengers will be able to download their favorite contents satellite communication include relieving workers from dangerous jobs and to their own smartphones and other devices while flying on an aircraft. and improvements in work efficiency. In recent years, the fields for Ground base / Meanwhile, the company also provides a similar service for people who application of such helicopters have extended to environmental Unmanned provider Apparatus capable of using Wi-Fi networks are at sea. observation, geographical surveys, etc., and they have even been used for radiation dosimetry in Fukushima Prefecture. operation Image adapted from the August 27, 2012 issue of Nikkei Personal CLICK! Panasonic Avionics Corporation Computing CLICK! Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (in Japanese)
METI Comments by personnel in charge What image do you have of space development on government-led technology satellites, and positioning satellites, are The Space Industry Office has engaged in creating a business environment that supports private companies in development? Many of you may feel that development, but is now experiencing a being launched at an ever-increasing rate. entering the market and the overseas expansion of Japanese space development is an unreachable considerable turning point; for example, by With the occurrence of such environmental companies, while strengthening the international dream, in some respects. Currently, space developing satellites that are competitive in changes, businesses have been utilizing competitiveness of the Japanese space industry and developing technology necessary to increase the number of Infinite expansion of is changing from a science fiction fantasy the global market, and new players including space to expand to fields where previously businesses utilizing space. to simply the place next door, as the ASTROSCALE Pte. Ltd. and Weathernews seemed unrelated to space. space businesses utilization of space expands. Global space- Inc. have entered the market, leading to As the infinite expansion of space, the (Right) Mitsuhiro Miyauchi, Assistant Director (for budget implementation) related industries have become increasingly potential overseas development. possibilities of space businesses are also (Left) Yuki Murayama, in charge of planning and coordination prosperous as emerging countries and In addition, there has been an explosive infinite. Like the big bang that triggered Space Industry Office, Aerospace and Defense Industry Division, - Have you ever felt a microcosm U.S. space venture companies etc. increase in the amount of data obtained the creation of space and its explosive Manufacturing Industries Bureau in the palm of your hand!? - become increasingly active. Previously, from space because artificial satellites, such expansion, we are aiming for the remarkable Japan focused space research and as communication satellites, remote sensing expansion of the Japanese space industry! CLICK! Space industry (in Japanese)
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