The article discusses the rapid growth of the global space economy, dominated by the US and China in terms of rocket launches, and explores Japan's potential strategies to thrive in this competitive market.
The global space economy is projected to reach a record high of $613 billion (approximately ¥94 trillion) by 2024, with estimates suggesting it could exceed $1 trillion (about ¥150 trillion) by 2032, according to a report from the US NGO Space Foundation. The increasing number of rocket launches reflects this growth, with successful satellite deployments rising from 136 launches in 2021 to an anticipated 316 by 2025, as reported by Japan's Cabinet Office. Notably, the US and China accounted for nearly 90% of these launches, signaling a significant concentration of activity in these two nations.
Specifically, the dominance of US company SpaceX, led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, has become evident, with their launches increasing dramatically from 31 in 2021 to an expected 165 by 2025. This surge is primarily due to the reusability of the Falcon 9 rocket, allowing for rapid and cost-effective launches, which feeds into a prosperous cycle of deploying thousands of Starlink satellites for internet services. This efficiency starkly contrasts with Japan's struggling launch capabilities, as the nation recorded only three launches in 2025, compared to a peak of five in 2024 and just two in 2023.
The article also highlights Japan's challenges in maintaining its position in the space market, emphasizing the cessation of its core rocket programs and the relatively slow development of its private sector launch capabilities. Experts are urged to provide insights into potential strategies that Japan could adopt to strengthen its standing in the burgeoning global space economy, especially as competition intensifies with leading players like the US and China dominating the landscape.
