Japanese companies join with U.S. partners to commercialize space

With ISS headed toward 2030 retirement, private players ponder next steps

20221103N new space shuttle

U.S. space startup Sierra Space is developing a small shuttle that would link to commercial space stations. (Photo courtesy of Sierra Space)

TATSURO MIYAZUMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- With the International Space Station headed toward retirement in 2030, Japanese companies have started drawing up proposals for business opportunities in low-Earth orbit.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency recently selected five consortia made up of Japanese and American companies, which will map out by March 2023 what talent and supplies they would need to make their ideas a reality.

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