April 26, 2024 Publication of the Basic Policy and Implementation Policy (for Budget allocated to MIC) for the Space Strategy Fund

 Today, MIC and related ministries and agencies jointly decided on the Basic Policy that stipulates the overall system design for the Space Strategy Fund.
 In addition, MIC and the Cabinet Office (CAO) jointly decided on the Implementation Policy (for Budget allocated to MIC) that stipulates the technology development themes to be implemented by MIC.

1. Purpose

 Human activities are expanding into Space and extraterrestrial solution for various issues are emerging rapidly. In addition, economic and social transformations brought by extraterrestrial solution, which is what is called on Space Transformation is progressing. Under these circumstances, competition among countries for international space development is becoming more intensified and the market size of space-related industries is rapidly expanding. Furthermore, the initiative for space development is shifting from the public sector to the private sector in many countries around the world. Under these circumstances, with collaborative efforts among the CAO, MIC, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Japanese government has decided to establish "The Space Strategy Fund" in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to encourage private companies, universities and research institutes to develop space-related technologies for a multi-year period. This initiative will encourage industry, academia and government to make further progress in Space.

 MIC has allocated 24 billion yen for this fund in the FY 2023 supplementary budget. Based on discussions at the Space Policy Committee and the Space Communications Advisory Board in MIC, MIC will promote development of information and communication technologies and the utilization of radio waves in the space field to utilize this allocated budget.

2. Themes for Budget allocated to MIC

  • Development and proving of satellite quantum cryptography communication technology
  • Support for implementation of optical routers as communication technology for satellite constellations
  • Sensing technology as exploration technology for water resource on the Moon's surface
  • Development and proving of communication system between Earth and Moon as feasibility study

3. Future plans

 JAXA will open a public call for companies in accordance with relevant laws and regulations as well as the Basic Policy and Implementation Policy.

(For reference)
○ Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications - Space Communications Advisory Board
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/kenkyu/Space_Communications/index.html
○ Cabinet Office - Space Policy and the Space Strategy Fund
https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/kikin/kikin.html

  • *
    References are available in Japanese only.

Contact

For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
https://www.soumu.go.jp/common/english_opinions.html

Global Strategy Division, Global Strategy Bureau, MIC

TEL: +81 3 5253 5920

FAX: +81 3 5253 5924