[Title] Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Scientific and Technical Subcommittee 62nd Session

Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
Scientific and Technical Subcommittee 62nd Session
February 3 – 14, 2025
Japan Item 3 : General exchange of views and introduction of reports
submitted on national activities.

Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

It's a privilege to speak on behalf of the Japanese delegation at the 62nd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. We look forward to collaborating with Member States and supporting your leadership, Madam Chair, to ensure a productive and meaningful session. Our gratitude goes to Director Aarti Holla-Maini for her exemplary leadership, as well as to the Secretariat and the entire Office for their unwavering efforts.

Throughout this statement, Japan would especially like to attach the greatest importance to three elements, namely the significance of technological development, the rule of law and addressing space debris challenges.

Chair,

Space technology is deeply integrated into nearly every aspect of our daily

lives—whether through weather forecasts, financial transactions, navigation systems, or the very devices we rely upon. Simply put, life as we know it would be unimaginable without the use of space technology.

We have seen the remarkable power of public and private sectors coming together to develop cutting-edge space technologies. In this regard, Japan formulated its Space Technology Strategy last year that includes roadmaps for technologies that Japan is developing across its security and civil sectors. We also established the Space Strategy Fund to enable private companies and academia to engage in research and development over multiple years.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the private sector are also advancing rocket and satellite technology to ensure continuous access to outer space, which is vital for monitoring our planet, responding to disasters, and addressing the growing issue of space debris.

Recent efforts will be shared at a side event co-hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Japan, where Astroscale will showcase Japan's innovative efforts in space debris management. More details will also be shared during tomorrow's technical presentation. Japan is committed to developing these technologies and sharing them for the benefit of all.

Chair,

States should act in the outer space in accordance with international law to

ensure the exploration and utilization in a safe and sustainable manner. It is our common responsibility to fully comply with the existing legal frameworks, including the Outer Space Treaty. In this regard, last December, Japan, together with the United States and Argentina, submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly affirming the obligation of all States parties to fully comply with the Outer Space Treaty, which was adopted with an overwhelming majority, which reflects broad international consensus that outer space must remain a domain free of a nuclear weapon. The rule of law in outer space is indispensable to ensure the peaceful uses of outer space.

Outer space is also a shared domain that must remain accessible to all nations. In this spirit, Japan, in cooperation with UNOOSA, is implementing the Kibo Cube Project, which provides emerging spacefaring nations with the opportunity to deploy their own satellites. It is an initiative that fosters inclusivity in space exploration. We are also working with UNOOSA on the Space Law for New Space Actors Project to help countries build domestic legal frameworks that promote safe and sustainable space activities. Recently, two technical advisory missions were successfully organized in the Philippines in November and in Thailand in January, respectively.

While technological advancements are essential for space activities, it is equally important that these developments take place within an appropriate legal framework. Japan, for example, has established a domestic legal framework, including licensing regulations and guidelines for on-orbit services in a safe and transparent manner, in line with the existing international laws.

Chair,

In recent years, the issue of space debris has become increasingly pressing.

To address this challenge, we recognize the need for both innovative technologies and a robust normative framework for responsible space activities. Japan has been at the forefront of this effort domestically, while advocating for international systems.

In 2024, Japan submitted a non-paper to the Legal Subcommittee in April and the Main Committee in June, highlighting critical issues related to space debris and proposing possible practicable solutions. These efforts have been further reinforced through technical presentations and side events designed to foster dialogue and collective action among Member States.

While advocating the urgent necessity and joint work of setting norms at the international level, Japan has been taking steps that lead the way for the establishment of such norms at the national level. Namely, Japan has built domestic frameworks. This effort will enhance our work of establishing international norms, while domestic legislation will reinforce emerging international norms to address shared global challenges.

Chair,

Last but not least, Japan's flagship rocket, H3, was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center last weekend. This marks four consecutive successes since February last year, and Japan's space activities have continued to be expanded this year. At the same time, Japan remains committed to promoting the rule of law in outer space and ensuring that the utilization of outer space continues to benefit all of humanity.

We look forward to working with all Member States toward a sustainable and peaceful future in outer space.