Japan targets 30 rocket launches a year by 2030s

· Politics · Japan

Japan is targeting 30 rocket launches a year by the 2030s, according to a Nikkei Asia report, a sharp increase from current levels as Tokyo seeks to build a competitive commercial space industry. The plan reflects growing global demand for satellite launches and Japan's ambition to capture a larger share of a market dominated by SpaceX and other players. It comes as Japan also weighs new security policies, including considering nuclear-powered submarines.

Why it matters：A larger Japanese launch capacity would strengthen the West's space access and reduce reliance on a handful of providers.

Key points

  • The target is 30 launches a year by the 2030s.
  • Japan wants a larger share of the commercial launch market.
  • The plan comes as Tokyo reviews security policies.

Sources (original reporting)

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