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 Japans Tanegashima Space Center in July 2020. The Hope Probe marked the UAEs 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 UAEs 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 Japans flagship launch vehicle and one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world. In other words, the launch showcased Japans 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 UAEs 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 UAEs space policy for many years. The launch of the UAEs first domestically-manufactured satelliteKhalifaSatin 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 UAEs 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 Japans reputation as a reliable and skilled partner in space missions.

In fact, the significance of the ispace project is quite considerable for Japans part, as Goswami (2023) has explained: Takaichi Sanae, Japans minister of space policy,stated in a press conferencein November 2022 while granting Japans first space resources license to...…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: Qatars 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.

Conclusion

he space collaboration has had a significant positive impact on UAE-Japan bilateral relations, serving as a flagship example of successful international cooperation. It has enhanced the strategic partnership between the two nations, fostering goodwill and strengthening ties at both the governmental and societal levels. Implications for the future abound, as Qatar itself has pointed out. The success of the UAE-Japan space collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between Arab countries and Japan in the space sector. It demonstrates the potential benefits of such collaborations and highlights the importance of building comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnerships. Ultimately, the UAE-Japan space collaboration stands as a sign of the power of international cooperation in advancing space exploration and technology. It has not only yielded significant scientific and technological benefits but has also played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. As the UAE and Japan continue to build upon this successful partnership, it serves as a model for other Arab nations looking to engage with Japan in the space…