U.S. Space Program vs. Japan Space Program Essay

U.S. Space Program vs. Japan Space Program - Essay Example Subsequently, both countries grew stronger in space exploration and became unchallenged pre-eminence in space activities and technologies. However, in recent years, the international interest and activities in space exploration has grown tremendously and many countries have started taking part in the same. This change of heart by most countries towards space exploration has been brought about by many factors including maturation of industries, markets for communications satellites and transferable space technologies. In addition, space development and assured access to space have become vital factors for high technology growth and national security. With these benefits in mind, many countries have fostered space programs which are promising and successful. A good example of such a country is Japan whose space program grew in less than 20 years from the launch of its first satellite in 1970 to participation in the international space station freedom project. In comparison to US space program, Japan’s space program has used US technical capabilities as a benchmark for its own capabilities thus causing a conflict in program philosophy between them and the United States. Therefore, since operational philosophies and styles of the two countries’ space programs are distinct, their comparison is important as can give insight into their relative strengths and weaknesses as well as their long term objectives and strategies. United States The United States space program began in 1958 with the launch of its scientific satellite explorer. Towards the end of that year, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) whose purpose was to direct the nation’s civilian activities in space was formed. For almost a decade, US space program concentrated on developing satellite and launching vehicle technologies, supporting solar system research and developing manned spaceflight capabilities. The launch technology efforts led to creation of the early model s of the Titan, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles. The program also carried out unmanned research missions throughout the solar system such as probes to the sun, Venus, Moon and Mars. During 1970s, the United States carried out further manned missions to the moon and launched the Skylab station program. In 1980s, the program began developing the international space station freedom. In the US, the space activities are managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Defense (DOD) which have different roles, styles and responsibilities. NASA emphasize on peaceful exploration and development of space whereas DOD is concerned with national defense and security. It is important to note that although the two organizations have different responsibilities, they at times work together. For instance during the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) project they worked together. The US space programs are also funded by the government through the two organizations wh ich are the administrators and project managers of space exploration (Wells and Hastings 15). The space programs of the United States usually revolve around increasing human exploration of the space, supporting national security, rejuvenating space science and research, developing higher capacity and cultivating the involvement of private sector into the space programs. Generally, the United States’ space program is more concerned in maintaining its status as the leading world power in space exploration and development (Wells and Hastings 22). The United States’ entrance into space exploration was influenced or driven with the need to be a super power and establish superior military space systems, and the race to reach the moon first before Soviet Union