HSI Report: Space Policy of theWorld and Japan
University News | August 23, 2019

The Hokkaido Summer Institute course “Space policy of the World andJapan” provides university students from engineering and politicalscience backgrounds the opportunity to analyze space policy and learn
about the complications involved in developing policies managing itsactivities.
The course ran from August 5th to the 9th and was open to any Master’sand Ph.D. student. Hokkaido University students and international
students from China and India discussed policy-making and learned
about the space policies of countries in Asia, Europe, and North
America. According to the course convener, Professor Kazuto Suzuki, itis also the only university-level course in Japan to focus on spacepolicy.

Students learning about space policies around the world.

Master’s student Chen Shi from the University of the Chinese Academyof Sciences commented on his own interest in studying space policy, “I
think the future of humankind is in space. And with more and moreprivate companies investing, like producing joint satellites, how tomake space policies is a big question we need to answer.”

Master’s student Chen Shi (left) discussing policy making with one of his classmates.

Since space lacks territorial boundaries and its policies are madedifferently depending on a country’s national interests and globalinterests, the students were challenged to think critically about why
countries invest in space and how these factors affect policy-making
decisions worldwide.
Professor Suzuki emphasized how vital understanding the topic ofspace policy has become: “We live in a world where we cannot fully
function without space, without GPS or satellites. Growinginternational tensions related to socio-economic life and security makespace policy all the more important to learn.”

Professor Kazuto Suzuki, Faculty of Public Policy, explaining current international
cooperations in space in the private and public sectors.

For the last day of the course, the students simulated an international
negotiation on the topic of astro-mining, or the farming of spaceresources. Each student assumed the role of a different (fictional)
country with its own agenda. By the end of the day, they needed to all
successfully agree on a policy suiting their own objectives.

After providing their opening statements, the students were given an
open floor to discuss with their fellow classmates in whatever format
they choose, as a whole group, selective groups or even secretively.
Conflicting interests included how to treat intellectual property andautonomous rights, the sharing of profits and knowledge, andregulating activities. They then came together for a final formal debate
to finalize their policy.

The last day of the class was a simulation of a diplomatic summit on astro-mining.

The students debated on issues such as intellectual property and profit sharing.

“Especially for space, but also for any policy-making decisions orscience related issues, it is not easy to come to a consensus and set
international agreements due to differences in interests andperceptions,” Professor Suzuki explained. “For example, it may seem
obvious that space is for humankind, but there are a lot of politicalaspects and national interests which make it difficult for a consensus tobe made among multiple countries.”
Although only one week long, the course provided a unique platform
for the students to understand the policy aspects of space and toanalyze issues from various angles and perspectives. It also helped
them improve their debating and conflict resolution skills.

Written by Katrina-Kay Alaimo, Ph.D.