Space Exploration and Asia-Pacific region

Ministerial-level representatives from over 30 countries met at the International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF) in Washington, DC, USA on January 9, 2014, to further advance the space utilization and to build support for global cooperation in space exploration. The meeting highlighted the direct benefit of space utilization, and the participants confirmed that innovation and knowledge derived from space exploration directly contribute to economic growth and societal well-being. The next ISEF meeting will be hosted by Japan in 2016 or 2017.

The ISS & International Space Exploration Subcommittee under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan published its interim report on July 23, 2014. The report examined the significance and future direction of space exploration for Japan as well as the achievements in the ISS program from various viewpoints. Japan has established manned space technology through the development and operation of "Kibo" and "KOUNOTORI" (HTV), and also formed cooperative relationships with Asia-Pacific countries on joint space environment utilization programs.

Through challenges for harsh space environment, space exploration programs generate many technical innovations, which are applicable to social and industrial problems. JAXA will promote space exploration projects, considering the needs of people in the Asia-Pacific region.