with detailed notes by Andrea Wagner
With my wife, Andrea, I attended, the 20th Anniversary JUSTSAP (Japan-U.S. Technology and Space Applications) Symposium, held on the Island of Hawaii at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel November 14-18, 2010 (agenda).
The need for JUSTSAP to become more multinational was discussed and the Japanese delegates agreed. It was so moved and the motion carried.
Will Espero, Senator, Hawaii State Legislature: Spoke of 10 to 15 year golden age for aerospace, need to diversify economy, desirability of establishing robotics program at the University of Hawaii.
Donald Straney, Chancellor, University of Hawaii at Hilo: Spoke of UH Hilo connection with space study and exploration. Focus on Big Island’s unique qualifications in areas including survival in extreme locations, sustainability, etc. Discussed PISCES role of applied science, interdisciplinary, international use of existing facilities and programs.
Stephen Day, Chairman, JUSTSAP: Chairman for seven years. PISCES developed out of JUSTSAP (3 year old program). Goal to assist in developing space roadmap. Cited objective of JUSTSAP to assist NASA to develop roadmap for sustainable lunar program. Cited models for growth from small to international efforts represented by Antarctica and COMSAT. Expressed need to inspire younger generation and identify key goals of going back to moon (storyline). Suggested a participatory formula—integrate private, government, universities, NGOs for success.
Dan Rasky, Director, Space Portal-NASA Research Park; Director, Emerging Commercial Space Office-NASA ARC: Spoke of Google Lunar X Prize, NASA Innovative Lunar Data Demonstration Program, NASA Lunar Science Institute and fostering commercial space exploration. Spoke of NASA Research Park at NASA-Ames and future development to move from Lunar Robotic Village to Lunar Research Park, then Lunar University.
Osama Odawara, Japan Vice Chair, JUSTSAP; Professor, IEM-Tokyo Institute of Technology: Discussed Japan’s considerations in space exploration. Microgravity key consideration. Spoke of exploration and how to use it.
Charles Miller, Senior Advisor for Commercial Space, NASA Headquarters: Spoke of need to work on U.S. political policy. Discussed L5 Society, a spontaneous organization started in the 1970s for permanent human settlements in space. Discussed earth observation option, need for economically sustainable reason to establish permanent settlements. Stated use of fear/security related motivation to get public support for effort.
Masahiro Takayanagi, Director, ISS Science Project Office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): Spoke of interest in developing world-class space transportation.
Michael Marlaire, Director, NASA Research Park: Lunar research park is next compelling step for humanity. Need to link affordability to return on investment (ROI). Japan’s interest in space is to make money.
Greg Schmidt, Deputy Director, NASA Lunar Science Institute, NASA Ames Research Center: Discussed multi-national lunar research and development (R&D) park. Space is now international. Lunar research effort may start as robotics mission. Lunar facility offers opportunity to learn about solar system by exploring lunar evidence; learn about universe by placing radio telescope on the moon. NASA lunar research institute could serve as model for lunar research park/university. Cited Moon Zoo and other projects to engage public interest.
Mitsuru Ohnishi, Senior Researcher, Aerospace R&D Directorate, JAXA: Sees 2015 robotics lunar exploration, R&D for new technologies. First priority to improve re-entry technologies; 2nd priority to improve space suits.
Bob Richards, CEO Moon Express Inc.; Co-Founder, International Space University: Addressed commercial side of space exploration. Lunar X and Lunar Demonstration programs as models. Important to develop private-public cooperation and partnerships.
Rob Mueller, Chief, Surface Systems Office, NASA Kennedy Space Center: Lunar R&D Park/University (LRDP/U) provides infrastructure and management services. Tenants could lease space from the LRDPU. Tenants could include government agencies and entities, universities, commercial (tourism).
Kazunori Ohta, Associate Senior Engineer, Space Exploration Center, JAXA: Japan’s 2009 space basic plan includes space and lunar exploration vision. Targets scientific and intellectual assets, industrial powers, human resources development, improve Japan’s international presence and pride. Comprehensive study for Japan’s lunar exploration calls for clarifying objectives, considering robotics exploration, and seeking international cooperation. Timeline 2015 first lunar landing and robotics investigation; 2020 assembly of scientific investigation base for long-term investigation (still robotics). International cooperation is essential. Phase development approach recommended.
Eric Reiners, Manager, Automation Systems, Caterpillar: Discussed Caterpillar/NASA association since 2006. Gave overview of tools developed by Caterpillar for earth/space applications.
Hideichi Tamegaya, Professor, Joshibi University of Art & Design, Japan: Discussed development of HDTV space project in Japan. Using project for television, scientific image analysis, and astronaut training.
Stephen Day, Chairman, JUSTSAP; President/CEO, International Ventures: Discussion of historical models for authorities. Worked at COMSAT ~10 years. 1962 Satellite Act cleared way for COMSAT—not government owned. 1964 Intelsat set up as wholesaler of commercial application for satellite communications, and was predominantly government owned (PTTs)—except for COMSAT's ownership as the U.S retailer. Inmarsat ship to shore communications done under UN agreement (similar model to Intelsat). Antarctica model discussed—scientific model, non-military, plus growing tourist business. ISS significant technical success, limited commercial success. Discussed JUSTSAP role as catalyst to produce recommendations and roadmap, identify key applications for international Lunar Research Park (LRP) by 2020. Need leaders, key influences, political force to make things happen. Intelsat/Inmarsat financial returns in proportion to contribution/investment, plus allowing smaller nations to participate under a catch-all rule. Discussion of exploitation of lunar resources drew suggestion that development and utilization (applications) be proposed vs. exploitation to make effort more appealing.
Declan O’Donnell, President, International Space Development Authority Corporation; President, World Space Bar Association: Discussed researching and development of ideas using space authorities. 1967 space treaty established exploration goals “for the benefit of mankind” at core. Established trust, not for commercial use, prohibition of sovereignty in space—no rights to own. Exception for satellites, based on wireless communication benefit to mankind. Common law okays passing over international boundaries for space purposes/intent. Lunar economic development authority project to develop space bus around Mars, earth, moon—bus never lands. Intent to place space governance in space bus. Astral law to be redefined as common law—allows contract use, but does not give sovereignty or commercial enterprise rights. Space organizations self-established authority with no UN authority. Has formal structure with no authority, but has not yet been challenged. Law of the land is that moon is not owned, is there for all mankind; taking anything is illegal. Space travel = commercial, not international benefit = profits shared, not retained. Benefit sharing is penalty-untested area as yet.
Hugh Welsh, Former Deputy General Counsel, Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey: Discussed lunar authority. Defined an authority as a legal organization created by legislation. International treaty required for lunar authority. Compact authorities established by treaties (compacts) between states. Political issues are more complex than legal issues. Need to clarify purpose and goals, nature of authority. Need to identify authority possessed by the authority; cannot act without legal authorization to do so. Need to assure rights are granted to the lunar authority. Questions to consider: who exercises control of authority; who and how will the authority run (governance). Need to write in broadest grant of power possible; anticipate needs up front and let them be limited later, anticipating worst up front. Need to start discussion with State Department regarding international treaties in space.
Dan Bland, President, JAMSS America: Action plan to define and implement LRP/LU outlined.
Milestone based approach to move forward: concept legitimacy; program definition; program partnerships; elements design and development; program implementation. 2011 white paper to articulate research park purpose and location. Discussion groups should identify desirable participants for task force. Recognition of independent lunar activities by corporations and nations. 2016 start date.
Frank Schowengerdt, U.S. Vice-Chair, JUSTSAP: PISCES funded by Hawaii state legislature; operations funded by NASA, Canada, German space agencies. PISCES should have role as active participant in LRP/LU efforts.
Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com