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U.S.-JAPAN SPACE FORUM
MID-TERM OBJECTIVES AND NEAR-TERM PRIORITIES
FOR U.S.-J APAN SPACE COOPERATION
The U.S.-Japan Space Forum is a standing committee of corporate, academic, and government space
policy experts, meeting regularly to examine critical developments and opportunities for bilateral spacerelated activities. The Forum is convened by Frank Jannuzi (Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation)
and Saadia Pekkanen (University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies), and it is
sponsored by the Japan-U.S. Friendship commission, with support from IHI AeroSpace, Mitsubishi
Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and NEC, and Keio University.
Members*
Masao Akiyama
Setsuko Aoki
Shoichiro Asada
Phillip Dobberfuhl
Frank Jannuzi
Ed Jew
Koichi Kishi
Hiroshi Koyama
Hideshi Kozawa
Ronald Lopez
John Mittleman
Robert Morrissey
Scott Pace
Saadia Pekkanen
Gregory Schulte
Sheila Smith
Stephen Town
Masakazu Toyoda
Hiroshi Yamakawa
IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.
Keio University
MHI
U.S. Air Force
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (Co-Chair)
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
NEC
MELCO
NEC
Boeing
US Naval Research Lab
Raytheon
George Washington University
University of Washington (Co-Chair)
(Formerly) U.S. Department of Defense
Council on Foreign Relations
Raytheon
Institute of Energy Economics Japan
Kyoto University
Observers
Peter Marquez
Nobuhiro Sekino
Planetary Resources
IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.
Program Director
Ryan Shaffer
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
- REPORT SUMMARY Robust U.S.-Japan coordination on space policy is urgent and important for several urgent reasons:
1. Capabilities in space are critical to defense on Earth, and thus critical to the U.S.-Japan alliance.
2. Japan and the U.S. are leaders in space technology and capabilities.
3. New opportunities for collaboration are presented by Japan’s 2008 Space Basic Law and 2015 New
Basic Space Plan, the U.S. “pivot” to Asia, revised Japanese military export principles, and collective
self-defense.
4. Collaboration presents efficiencies and savings in the face of common budget constraints.
Reflecting the above points, as well as the rise of actors and objects in space and increasing threats posed
by space denial capabilities and space-based weaponry, the U.S.-Japan Space Forum identifies the
following priorities for bilateral cooperation.
* The views expressed in this document reflect the primary themes of the group’s conversations, but they do not necessarily
reflect a consensus or represent the views of participant’s organizations, corporations, or governments.
MID-TERM OBJECTIVES FOR U.S.-JAPAN LEADERSHIP ON THE PEACEFUL USE OF SPACE
1.1 The Fourth C—“Collaborative” Space
Lead on a new, inspiring, and practical target, (eg. space solar power or lunar exploration) for global
cooperation that builds technological, policy, and legal capacity for multilateral efforts.
1.2 Politics and Public Relations
Inform citizenry about the benefits of space activities to security, but also telecommunications,
disaster management and response, navigation, mapping and imaging, weather prediction, etc.
1.3 Elevate Space Diplomacy
Advance the U.S.-Japan vision for an international code of conduct that strengthens international
stability and long-term sustainability of space activities.
1.4 Ensure Industrial Capacity, Technical Capability, and Human Capital
Integrate the private sector into planning and definition of system requirements at an early stage. Pilot
projects could help provide direction and stability of purpose to our private sectors.
1.5 Align and Leverage Regulatory Reforms to Enhance Cooperation and Competitiveness
 Harmonize procurement and development standards between Japanese and U.S. industries.
 Harmonize standards for handling sensitive information, including penalties for unauthorized
disclosure of classified data.
 Utilize reforms in U.S. export controls that improve interoperability via opportunities for
cooperation on space-based communications, positioning, earth observation, etc.
1.6 Space and Collective Self-Defense
Discuss a role for space activities in collective self-defense in full view of challenges such as how to
apply the Mutual Security Treaty in the event of a hostile attack on a space asset.
NEAR-TERM PRIORITIES FOR U.S.-JAPAN SPACE COLLABORATION
2.1 Formalize the Japanese Role at the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC)
Invite participation from the Japan (MOD) in the Joint Space Operations Center to enhance
operational compatibility consistent with the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty.
2.2 Japanese Participation in Tabletop Exercises
The United States should invite Japan as a full participant in space-related tabletop exercises hosted by
U.S. national and homeland security organizations (such as the U.S. Coast Guard).
2.3 Japan-U.S. Leadership in the Use of Space for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
 Extend existing U.S. information-sharing policy regarding maritime data to include Japan.
 Offer opportunities to Japan for building a foundation of knowledge and experience through
maritime exercises and demonstrations involving the use of space for MDA.
 Clarify Japan’s approach to wide-area maritime surveillance and the challenges Japan faces in
incorporating space and terrestrial assets into its MDA architecture.
 Consider establishing a Japanese body to promote regional coordination and information-sharing
among maritime forces (law enforcement, and relevant regulatory entities).
2.4 Reciprocal Defense Procurement Memorandum of Understanding (RDPMOU)
DOD, MOD, and METI should expeditiously conclude discussions on the RDPMOU, expanding
opportunities for integrating Japanese and American space technologies and equipment.
2.5 Capitalize on Global Market Opportunities for Remote Sensing
 Seek an effective fast-track arrangement for overseas commercial remote sensing business,
focusing first on cooperative initiatives in areas such as disaster mitigation and MDA.
 Create a clear and predictable regulatory and licensing regime for private remote sensing activities
(as set forth in the implementing schedule of Japan’s Basic Space Plan).
 Facilitate cooperation between U.S. and Japanese firms through creation of a Japanese
comprehensive data policy approach that manages dual-use technologies and capabilities.