U.S. & Japan: Space Science Cooperation and the Future Space Economy

From the launching of the James Webb Space Telescope and the Perseverance Mars rover to the successful Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter and the return of the Hayabusa 2 asteroid sampling mission, the United States and Japan have each made enormous strides in astronomy, space exploration, and other dimensions of scientific space research in recent years. Now, as the development of the space economy of the future accelerates, the two countries have agreed to take further steps together to advance their cooperation on all aspects of space, including the uses of space for the terrestrial economy through tools such as the Quasi-Zenith Space Satellite (QZSS), and through the future development of resources in space and on celestial bodies through the Artemis Moon landing program. Please join us for a wide-ranging discussion of space exploration, space science, and the future space economy as seen by leading experts in the United States and Japan who are working to advance our understanding of, and ability to engage with, the cosmos.

Day 2: U.S. and Japanese Views of Space Science Cooperation and the Future Space Economy

On day two, the conversation delves deeper into the possibilities and challenges for a future space economy, and the essential role of international cooperation. Keynote speaker Mr. Ishii Yasuo, Vice-President for International Cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will share an overview of the role of U.S.-Japan Space Cooperation, followed by presentations on topics exploring the commercial potential for heavy launch vehicles, satellites, and space tourism, as well as the ability for science fiction to shape policy. Speakers include Dr. Bonnie L. Triesenberg, Dr. Chad J.R. Ohlandt, Mr. Ron Lopez, and Mr. Isaac Arthur, along with moderator Dr. Scott W. Harold.

Location
All registered participants will automatically receive a link to attend the virtual event.

• Online
• In-Person at RAND Corporation (1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA)

In-Person Safety Measures
RAND is following the COVID-19 safety protocols that have been established for federal contractors in the United States. In-person participants will need to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
 

Keynote Speaker

The Future Space Economy and the Role of Japan-U.S. Space Cooperation: Satellite Data Utilization, Space Exploration and Beyond

Mr. Yasuo Ishii | Vice-President for International Cooperation, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Since April 2020, Mr. Yasuo Ishii has served as JAXA Vice President responsible for strategic planning and management, public affairs, international relations and research, security and information systems, business development and industrial relations, and space education.

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Prior to this Mr. Ishii was Director of Strategic Planning and Management Department of JAXA. Mr. Ishii has held a number of senior management positions at JAXA, including Director of Research Strategy Department, Director of Management and Integration Department at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), and Director of Bonn Office in Germany. Mr. Ishii joined JAXA (formerly the National Space Development Agency of Japan) in 1986 and started his career as an engineering researcher in thermal and structural engineering for space systems. He then worked as a project engineer for the development of the Manipulator Flight Demonstration on the Space Shuttle (STS-85) and the Japanese Experiment Module, KIBO. He worked as a sub-project manager of earth observation satellites, as well. Mr. Ishii received his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1984 and 1986, respectively.

Presenters

Dr. Bonnie L. Triezenberg | Senior Engineer, RAND Corporation

Dr. Chad J.R. Ohlandt | Senior Engineer, RAND Corporation

Mr. Dave Hebert | Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, Astroscale - U.S.

Mr. Isaac Arthur | YouTube Channel Founder and Host of Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur
 

Moderator

Dr. Scott W. Harold | Senior Political Scientist, RAND Corporation

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