ESG in Space Podcast | Bonus Episode 2 | Season 1

In this episode of the Space Economy Podcast, hosts Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode speak with Dr. Masami Onoda of JAXA about how Japan is approaching growth in the space economy through public-private partnership, industrial strategy, and sustainability. Dr. Onoda explains how JAXA’s structure, Japan’s long civil space tradition, and the country’s policy framework support a broad national approach to space development.

The discussion looks closely at Japan’s Space Strategy Fund and how JAXA is using it to support industry growth, startup development, and new partnerships across government, business, and academia. Dr. Onoda also describes how Japan has worked over many years to bring non-space companies into the sector, from robotics and construction to consumer brands and major industrial firms.

A major theme throughout the conversation is sustainability. Dr. Onoda outlines Japan’s active debris removal work, the role of technology demonstration in addressing orbital debris, and the need for rules and regulation to develop alongside operational capability. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion of lunar governance, bilateral and multilateral rulemaking, and the responsibility early actors carry as they help shape norms for future activity in orbit and on the Moon.

Key Moments

• [00:00:17] Introduction to the podcast and the hosts’ framing of JAXA and Japan’s role in the space economy
• [00:02:17] Introduction of Dr. Masami Onoda and her leadership role at JAXA
• [00:04:14] How JAXA and Japan define their role in a more crowded global space environment
• [00:09:04] Overview of Japan’s Space Strategy Fund and how JAXA is using it to support industry
• [00:10:53] Japan’s goal to grow its space economy and the challenge of using public funding effectively
• [00:12:54] How JAXA has built long-term partnerships with non-space companies and adjacent industries
• [00:16:19] Japan’s emphasis on sustainability, inclusiveness, and responsible development in space
• [00:17:21] JAXA’s active debris removal demonstration and the link between sustainability and technology leadership
• [00:19:36] Why regulation and technology development need to move together in space operations
• [00:21:53] Japan’s lunar rover partnership with NASA, Toyota, and other major companies
• [00:24:37] The future of lunar governance and the need for rules of the road in space
• [00:27:25] Why early bilateral and unilateral agreements may shape future multilateral norms

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