APRSAF-26

APRSAF-26

November 26-29, 2019

Nagoya, Japan Japan

Overview

The 26th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-26) was held in Nagoya from November 26th to 29th, 2019, under the theme of "Advancing Diverse Links Toward a New Space Era," co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The APRSAF Nagoya Vision was adopted as a meeting outcome document, addressing the direction of activities over the next 10 years while looking ahead to the next quarter century.

This year, the forum was attended by a total of 469 participants from 31 countries and regions and nine international organizations, including seven heads and two deputy heads of space agencies from Asia-Pacific countries as well as high-level officials from governmental institutions in charge of space policies.

In terms of promoting the use of satellite data, a program has been officially launched at this forum, in which the countries with satellites provide the data to Asian-Pacific countries to promote the uses of the data under the multilateral framework in this region such as agricultural management—the major industry there. The continuous utilization of satellite data and the provision of information that suits the needs of users will be promoted, by modifying the conventional bilateral cooperation to a multilateral one that enables various countries to utilize diverse satellite data.

Regarding the capacity building for young researchers, engineers and officials in the region, New program was launched jointly with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to foster the talent with advanced knowledge who are expected to play a leading role in the space field in the future. It is hoped that this program will contribute to the improvement of capability throughout the whole region to apply science and technology to solve socioeconomic issues.

In the afternoon of Day 2, the first Space Policy Practitioners Workshop was held attended by space policy officials from the Asia-Pacific region. The Workshop started with the report on the Inter-Regional Space Policy Dialogue between Asia-Pacific and Europe from European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). The Philippines and Malaysia shared their experiences from the recent establishment of their national space agencies. India, Indonesia and Japan introduced their policies and regulations relating to satellite remote sensing activities. After the keynote speech on national space legislation by Prof. Aoki from Keio University Law School, Australia, Indonesia and Japan presented their respective legislation. At the roundtable discussion, a new initiative called the “National Space Legislation Initiative” was proposed and welcomed by the participants. Under the Initiative, a Study Group will be established among space/policy practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region to draft a report on the status of national space legislation in the region for submission to the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee (LSC).

Moreover, the Space Industry Forum was held, co-organized by ADB, JAXA, SPACE TIDE as an evening session on Day 1 and Day 2. Space-related organizations, such as the Australian Space Agency, Singapore Space and Technology Association and JAXA, SPACETIDE, as well as private companies including Synspective Inc., INCJ Ltd, ANA Holdings Inc., Astroscale Japan Inc., TMI Associates, government agencies including the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and DOST-SEI, and the international organization—ADB participated in the forum. The eco system of the Japanese space industry was introduced as well as the possibility of contributions toward the Asia-Pacific region, and the current situation and future vision of the space industry in Asia-Pacific region were discussed.

Plenary (Day 3) began with the opening remarks made by Ms. OKAMURA Naoko, APRSAF-26 General Co-chair and Deputy Director General of Research and Development Bureau, (MEXT) and a welcome video message from Mr. HAGIUDA Koichi, the Minister of MEXT.

At the beginning of this day, in the Evolving Space Activities in the Asia-Pacific Region Session, the development of space-related activities in this region over the last 25 years and APRSAF's initiatives were reviewed. A discussion was also held regarding the necessary initiatives for the continuing development of the space industry and the roles to be played by the APRSAF.
As an expectation concerning the APRSAF in the future, it was mentioned that based on the cooperation among space organizations in the Asia-Pacific region—which will become a driving force for space activities in the region—space cooperation will be further promoted. In addition, it was also stated that collaboration regarding public activities by space agencies and industrial activities by private players will also be promoted in a more effective manner, etc.

Followed by this, a keynote speech was given by Mr. INOUE Hirofumi, Field General Manager, Technical Project Field, Advanced R&D and Engineering Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, and a Summary of APRSAF-25 and an Executive Committee (ExCom) Activity Report was given, as well as the current status of recent activities and space policies from each country and international organizations. Problems concerning each country were shared, which provided a good opportunity to re-affirm the importance of international cooperation.

Two sessions were carried out in the afternoon on Day 3.

The recent status of international coordination regarding lunar exploration was introduced during the Space Exploration Session, and participation opportunities from space-emerging countries and industry sectors were discussed (such as activities of TansaX, ISECG, MVA activities and small spacecraft developed by universities).
The importance of continuing information exchange relating to international exploration activities using the APRSAF was confirmed.

At the Practices for the Stable Use of Outer Space Session, the current status of international rules for stable use of space (LTS guideline and Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, etc.) and the initiatives to implement those by each country were introduced and discussed. The importance of integration for accessing space debris observation data held by major countries was pointed out.

Three panel discussions were carried out on Day 4.

At the Global x Regional Session, the panelists from regional organizations, space agencies, academia and startups discussed the importance of the promotion of regional cooperation using space technology (SAFE initiative, Sentinel Asia, etc.) in order to solve global issues such as climate change and achieving the UN SDGs.

At the HOA x Young Generation Session, representatives of the younger generation gave ideas regarding what space technology can do to solve global issues, and the outlook for space activities in next 50 years, along with exchanging opinions with the Heads of Space Agencies. Breakthrough ideas from the younger generation were given, such as a measure for marine plastic waste using space technology, etc.

At the Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Society Session, the panelists discussed potential partnerships among various players both inside and outside the space community to contribute to making a sustainable society with space technology.

With discussions at APRSAF-26, a roundtable was held by space leaders in the region, and wrapped up the discussions during APRSAF-26 and given the expectations to the future APRSAF activities. At the end of the plenary, the "APRSAF Nagoya Vision" was adopted.

Together with the conference over these four days, the Water Rocket Event and Poster Contest for children and students run by the Space Education Working Group, workshops by the WG initiative, and exhibition booths by companies and universities were also featured, and these became a place to interact for a wide range of participants.

APRSAF-27 is planned to be held in Vietnam, and APRSAF-28 will be in Indonesia.