UAE Egypt and Space Projects with Japan

The UAE-Japan Space Collaboration

Introduction

This paper examines the space collaboration between the UAE and Japan, highlighting the significant projects, initiatives, and partnerships that have been established over the years. It also presents a comparative analysis, arguing that the unique nature of the UAE-Japan space collaboration helps to distinguish UAE-Japan relations from other Arab-Japan relations.

Background

The UAE and Japan have fostered a strong bilateral relationship over the years, with collaborations spanning various sectors including trade, technology, and education. In recent years, the space sector has emerged as a new frontier in their partnership, with both nations recognizing the potential benefits of working together in this domain. The space sector offers a unique platform for international collaboration, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement. The UAE-Japan space collaboration is emblematic of the commitment of both nations. Together, they are engaging in space exploration for mutual benefit, and it serves as a model for other Arab-Japan partnerships.

Key Collaborations in Space

The Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe)

The first steps in collaboration between the UAE and Japan began with the Hope Probe (Times Aerospace, 2020). Indeed, this has been one of the most notable collaborations: the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), also known as the Hope Probe, launched from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center in July 2020. The Hope Probe marked the UAE’s first interplanetary mission, and it was made possible through the technical support and expertise provided by Japanese space agencies and companies (BBC, 2020).

According to BBC (2020), “the Hope probe is regarded very much as a vehicle for inspiration - something that will attract more young people in the Emirates and across the Arab region to take up the sciences in school and in higher education.” Thus, thanks to the collaboration with Japan, the UAE has found a way to attract interest to the field of technology sciences in its own country. This is part of the UAE’s focus on building its knowledge economy, through which it aims to advance itself in other sectors as well (BBC, 2020).

However, the launch was beneficial for Japan as well: Arab News (2021) reports that “Japan played a vital role in ensuring the success of the Arab probe, from pre-launch to the moment it reached outer space. The Hope Probe successfully lifted off from Tanegashima Space Center last year, mounted on a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H-IIA launch vehicle F42. The vehicle is Japan’s flagship launch vehicle and one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world.” In other words, the launch showcased Japan’s great space technology and brought more acclaim to its ability to put new missions into space. By collaborating with the UAE on this launch, Japan was able to further demonstrate to the world why it is at the top of the class when it comes to launching probes into outer space.

Satellite Development and Launch

The UAE and Japan have also collaborated in the development and launch of satellites (Arab News, 2023). Japanese companies have played a crucial role in providing technical assistance, components, and launch services for UAE satellites, contributing to the growth of the UAE’s space capabilities. Kishida notes for instance that “the UAE has the largest number, in the Middle East and Africa, of Japanese expatriates (approximately 4,500) and Japanese companies (approximately 340)” (Arab News, 2023). Kishida also asserts that “Our bilateral relationship is also expanding in the field of space cooperation. Japan has contributed to the UAE’s space policy for many years. The launch of the UAE’s first domestically-manufactured satellite KhalifaSat in 2018 and the Mars Exploration Hope Probe in 2020 were both carried out by Japanese H2-A rockets” (Arab News, 2023). The technological collaboration between the two countries on space exploration shows that the relationship is mutually beneficial in so many ways. As Bailey (2022) notes, Japanese tech is helping UAE on all its space endeavors: “Japanese lunar robotics company ispace will deliver a rover built by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the moon in 2022” went a CNN report from last year (Bailey, 2022). Indeed, the development and successful deployment of a lunar rover underscore the UAE’s rapid progress in space technology and engineering. It reflects the nation's commitment to becoming a significant player in the global space industry. Likewise, by providing the lunar delivery service through ispace, Japan demonstrates its advanced capabilities in space robotics and lunar exploration. This enhances Japan’s reputation as a reliable and skilled partner in space missions.

In fact, the significance of the ispace project is quite considerable for Japan’s part, as Goswami (2023) has explained: “Takaichi Sanae, Japan’s minister of space policy, stated in a press conference in November 2022 while granting Japan’s first space resources license to ispace that ‘if ispace transfers ownership of lunar resources to NASA in accordance with its plan, it will be the first case in the world of commercial transactions of space resources on the Moon by a private operator.’ Japan’s government is certainly aware of the historic occasion. Takaichi noted that this will be a groundbreaking first step toward the establishment of commercial space exploration by private operators. ‘As space development around the world becomes more prevalent, we hope Japan leads the international community by building a track record of resource utilization by private operators based on this law’” (Goswami, 2023).

Thus, the collaboration has yielded major dividends for both countries—and, moreover, the collaborations continue. As WAM (2023) Emirates News Agency reports, “the UAE and Japan have deep cultural, diplomatic and economic ties which have led to closer cooperation in the field of space. Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata is a member of the UAE’s Space Agency’s advisory committee, while the Emirates Mars Mission Hope Probe was successfully launched on a Mitsubishi H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan on 19th July 2020.” Also noted in the report is the fact that “the two sides have also deepened research through the Japanese Kibo Laboratory with Emirati students taking part in the Kibo robot programming challenge” (WAM, 2023). The fact that the Japanese laboratory is open to UAE students looking to improve in knowledge of robotics programming shows that the two states are working closely to advance space exploration. WAM (2023) also points out that “since the UAE Space Agency was established 2014, it has developed a competitive space program at an accelerated pace and launched numerous satellites and put the first Emirati astronaut into space.” This has all been possible thanks to Japan’s collaboration, which is going to continue for the foreseeable years: “Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa also stressed the desire of the Japanese government to enhance space cooperation with the UAE by ensuring Japanese astronauts work more closely with Emirati astronauts in the future” (WAM, 2023).

Research and Development

Programs abound, with the UAE hosting World Space Week this October, with a postcard challenge for young ethusiasts: “The competition aimed to support and nurture young creative talents, inspiring them to design a postcard that captures the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA). EMA is the first mission to study seven asteroids in the main asteroid belt” (Hussein & Aamir, 2023). This is yet another example of the building up of the knowledge economy in the UAE. Thanks to support on the educational front from Japan, the UAE is developing a budding knowledge economy from the ground up, with young scientists and space explorers being brought under the umbrella of the UAE-Japan space collaboration. The UAE thus owes a great deal of thanks to Japan for its help, just as Japan has owed a great deal of thanks to the UAE for all its energy support in previous decades. Now the two states are sharing the road ahead. Japan is acting as the guide in many ways, insofar as space technology is concerned.

Goswami (2023) concludes that “Japan’s leadership in establishing space innovation that cuts across policy (the 2008 Basic Space Policy), regulation (2021 Space Resources Act) as well as technology (its 2019 asteroid sample return and 2023 private lunar landing) is changing the game of space. Being a member of the democracy-focused Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which includes space cooperation as a key area of focus, Japan’s ability to demonstrate its space capabilities and innovation increases its strategic influence and reach in the Asia-Pacific and the world.” This strategic influence is now also being felt in the UAE, where the collaboration between the two states has positioned them both to be leaders in space exploration, that will have major benefits once drilling of celestial bodies becomes a reality. In fact, that is another one of the reason the ispace project is so significant (Goswami, 2023).

In short, both nations have engaged in joint research and development initiatives, focusing on areas such as space science, satellite technology, and space exploration. These initiatives have facilitated knowledge exchange and capacity building, particularly for UAE’s burgeoning space sector. The collaboration extends to education and training, with Japanese institutions providing training programs and scholarships for Emirati students and professionals in the field of space science and technology.

Comparative Analysis: UAE-Japan vs. Other Arab-Japan Relations in Space

Unique Nature of UAE-Japan Collaboration

The UAE-Japan space collaboration is distinguished by its comprehensive and mutually beneficial nature. Unlike other Arab-Japan partnerships in space, which are more limited in scope, the UAE and Japan have established a deep partnership that encompasses various aspects of space exploration.

For example, Saudi Arabia and Japan have recently signed a collaboration deal regarding space projects, according to Arab News (2022): “The agreement includes identifying projects that will enhance research and develop more Saudi capabilities in the Kingdom’s space industry, in addition to implementing training programs to develop human resources in the space and innovation sector.” However, this is nowhere near the extent of collaboration seen between the UAE and Japan over space exploration.

Likewise, the Egyptian Space Agency entered into an agreement with Japan’s University Space Engineering Consortium (UNISEC) in 2020 (Space in Africa, 2020). As reported, “in cooperation with the Egyptian Space Agency, UNISEC will contribute to the development of space engineering not only for both countries but also on a global scale, in terms of mutual exchange of researchers and students, cooperative projects and capacity building, by making use of the R&D potentials and the capacities of developing human resources already equipped with both organizations” (Space in Africa, 2020). In some sense, this is similar to what Japan is doing with the UAE—the main difference is that what is happening between Japan and the UAE is much more significant in terms of size, scope, investment, and future planning.

Additionally, Japan and Qatar have signed deals in the past, but nothing regarding space exploration. That said, Qatar has reported that it is interested in seeing what the future might have in stake for any collaborations between the two countries: Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi said, “We are hoping we can touch base on other aspects as well in the future, but time will show those great opportunities that will be open for both countries. We are quite far in this strong relationship between Qatar and Japan that has lasted over 50 years and hopefully progress even more in the future. Our collaboration touches on more commercial investments and cultural activities, hoping it can progress even more in the upcoming years” (Baluyut, 2022). The Qatari minister also speaks about the changing tides of power on the global stage and how the two countries could stand shoulder to shoulder as the 21st century progresses. The point is that Japan is at the forefront of many technological advances, and countries in the Middle East see what is taking place between the UAE and Japan, and they are beginning to want to be part of it in a big way.