Ayu Yoneda and Osamu Suwa, JAXA's newly certified astronauts.
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Japan has named its first new astronauts in 13 years. Ayu Yoneda and Makoto Suwa have now completed training and been officially certified by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as astronauts. We should celebrate the advent of a new era of lunar exploration.
A new turning point is approaching in the history of human exploration of space. In 2030, the International Space Station (ISS), the current base for operations in space, will cease operations. Then, the era of the American-led Artemis Program for lunar exploration will commence.
Japan has committed to joining the Artemis Program, with two Japanese astronauts slated to land on the moon. Their projected time frame for landing on the moon is from the late 2020s onward. Therefore, the selection of who will take part in the landing is still some way off. However, Japan's two new astronauts are leading candidates.
A Perfect Fit
Unlike with the ISS, which is positioned close to the Earth, if someone falls ill or is injured on the face of the moon, he or she cannot return immediately to Earth for treatment. Therefore, the presence of a doctor is especially important. That gives Yoneda, a former surgeon, a leg up on the competition.
Artemis calls for astronauts to operate a lunar rover developed by Japan to conduct geological and resource surveys. That makes Suwa, who studied earth sciences in graduate school and is well-versed in geology, a perfect fit.
This will be the first time humans travel to the moon in half a century, and it will be Japan's first time. The United States Apollo Program was the last human lunar experience.
A moon landing would be a great inspiration and provide courage to the Japanese people. We can hardly wait to hear what is said when Yoneda or Suwa land on the moon.
Japan's Mamoru Mohri first flew aboard the US Space Shuttle about 30 years ago. Since then, Japanese astronauts have expanded the scope and roles of their activities. Moreover, their international reputation has increased dramatically since Koichi Wakata became the first Japanese commander on the ISS.
Inspiring Japan and Beyond
The moon is much farther away from Earth than the ISS, and communications with the Earth will be more difficult. Moreover, less equipment can be carried. Therefore, astronauts on this journey will need a high level of ability to make autonomous decisions depending on the situation. They will not always be able to rely on support from Earth.
The landing of a Japanese on the moon's surface will likely mark the first such achievement by a non-American. This is a wonderful opportunity for Japan to display our capabilities and enhance our global profile.
Nevertheless, manned lunar exploration requires a massive budget. The Japanese government contends that the initiative is significant in terms of diplomacy, national security, and strengthening the space industry. However, it needs to explain this in detail to the public.
Astronauts should also talk about why manned activities are necessary, not just about the dreams and appeal of space. Hopefully, Yoneda and Suwa will express the significance of Japanese scientists and doctors going to the moon. If their explanations resonate with the public, that would lead to greater understanding and support for Japan's space effort.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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