The japanese space launch program

Abstract

This chapter provides the fundamental information of Japanese launch program. The Japanese solid and liquid launch systems have been developed step by step and attained the world class in technology and reliability. These several years, the Basic Space Law was enacted and the Basic Plan for Space Policy was established ta policy level, placing greater importance on national security and industrial promotion. This is drastically changing the situation around the development and operation of space transportation systems in Japan including determination of developing the next-generation flagship launch vehicle by the 2020s in order to ensure autonomous access to space in the future. This chapter provides, firstly, the historical overview of solid and liquid launch vehicles as background. Secondly, the administrative and management structures of launch program are described referring to some political documents and technology management processes. Thirdly, launch program development, which has been promoted by the government, JAXA, academia and industry, is described. Fourthly, the outline, performance, and vehicle configuration of current launch vehicles are described in detail. In addition, authors present the privatization through technology transfer and the support subprogram as launch vehicle exploitation. Finally, the future prospects are discussed.