The on-orbit construction of the International Space Station has started and the era of full space environment utilization will be opened shortly. The space environment will enable conducting experiments in an environment which cannot be duplicated on the ground (e.g., microgravity).

Japan is participating in the International Space Station (ISS) program by developing the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). After the ISS is completed, space utilization opportunities will increase tremendusly.

However, in order to effectively connect the wide range of experiments being conducted throughout Japan and the space experiments to be conducted in the future, we need to accumulate related research data before receiving practical space experiment proposals.

Based on the above policy, this solicitation system is being managed as a preparation stage for space utilization. The purpose of this system is to give a wide range of researchers research opportunities, and to promote ground-based research related to space environment utilization

Last Updated : Aug.24, 2005