Japan Calls For New Launcher Proposals

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is making final preparations towards the development of our new flagship launch vehicle from Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2014.

The new flagship launch vehicle will be freshly developed with a goal of securing Japan's autonomous launch capability of satellites and other payloads while acquiring international competitiveness in the space transportation field and maintaining and developing technical and industrial bases.

The Committee on the National Space Policy of the Cabinet Office recommended that the private sector be involved to play an important role throughout the new flagship launch vehicle project to make it an internationally competitive launch vehicle.

By including a private company, the Committee said that the ability and power of the private sector should be fully leveraged in the development, and, thus, that company shall also be able to provide launch services autonomously.

Against this backdrop, JAXA would like to invite and select a prime contractor to conduct its development, manufacturing, and launch services.

Please be aware that the invitation is on the assumption that the scheduled JFY 2014 budget will be coming into force, thus is subject to change due to budget conditions.

New Flagship Launch Vehicle Development and Launch Service Provision