JAPAN LAUNCH VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Over the past two decades, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has developed and operated launch vehicles to support domestic missions in the space applications area. including those for communications, broadcasting, and Earth observation. The N series rockets (N-I and N-II) and the current H-I rocket were developed based on U.S. technology transferred through intergovernmental agreements. To meet the demands of Japan's satellite users for orbiting large-capacity applications satellites in the 1990s, NASDA is now designing and developing the H-II launch vehicle based on domestic technology. This paper presents a historical overview of Japan's launch vehicle development program in the space applications area. The significance and impact of U.S. space technology on Japan's space programs are reviewed. Also, the current status of H-II rocket development is briefly presented along with the vehicle's future role in international relations.