The Sky is not the Limit : An Analysis of the Articulation of Japan’s Space Ambitions Since 2000

Abstract: This thesis investigated the ambitions of Japan in the space sector through the development of the country’s space programme. Drawing on content and discourse analysis of policy, law, strategy documents, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency website and documents about the ISS, this thesis explored how Japan has been articulating their space ambitions since 2000. It aimed at analysing the ambitions in theory and in practice as well as comparing them to frame the gap between text and reality. The thesis argued that Japan aims at developing their space industry and enhancing the uses of space through improving efficiency and autonomy of the country’s space activities. They do so by ameliorating research and development and human resources, by enhancing the security, civil and commercial uses of space, by improving infrastructures and budget allocation, and by taking part in space international cooperation, including in global law and policy formulation. The main assumption was that Japan is hoping to strengthen their space power to gain relevance to secure an important role on the international space arena.