NBR has just released a new Q&A with Saadia Pekkanen (University of
Washington) that examines Japan's evolving space program and places it in the context of other space programs in Asia. A link to the Q&A and a summary are below.

"Japan's Evolving Space Program"

Q&A with Saadia Pekkanen, University of Washington

Link: http://m.nbr.org/pYZsEA

SUMMARY

As the United States ends its shuttle program and scales down manned space exploration, Asian states continue to invest in their space programs, both civilian and military. Although much attention is focused on China, Japan is also primed to become a major Asian space player.

In an interview with NBR, Japan expert and National Asia Research Associate Saadia Pekkanen (University of
Washington) provides insight into the breadth and growing capabilities of Asian space programs and their implications for the Asian security environment.

Read the full interview to learn the answers to these
questions:

- How do the space programs of Asian states compare with each other?

- Why has there been a shift in emphasis in Japan's space program from commercial to military applications?

- What is the role of the United States in engaging with Japan's space program?

Read now: http://m.nbr.org/pYZsEA

Tracy Timmons-Gray
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Seattle, WA