Message from Representative Director

I would like to extend my greetings to you all on the occasion of the inauguration of the “Space Liner Association (SLA) “.

Japan’s space development started in the 1950s for the purpose of reaching and observing outer space in the field of academic research.  Since then, Japan has developed and maintained a space transportation industry to ensure the flexibility of launches into outer space for national projects.  Thanks to the efforts of our predecessors, we have a situation where we can build and operate flexible launch systems using domestic technology.  In order to move the world forward on a timelineof 10 or 20 years, the work of transporting people to space should become more a common and self-sustaining as an industry. We aim to create a world in which people can freely go to space, use space (including the moon and Mars), and travel safely and rapidly, – all while space activities are expanding dramatically.

With the intention of opening up the future of space transportation in Japan, we have established a general incorporated Association, the Space Liner Association, with like-minded stakeholders. The purpose of this Association is to establish a new framework led by the private sector to realize a space passenger transportation system that has a much larger market potential than conventional space activities, and to generalize the system so that anyone can buy a ticket and go to space or move freely on the earth –  just like the current commercial air transportation system. As stated in the purpose of establishment on the next page, the Association aims to create an environment for the private sector to take the lead in promoting human space transportation and to create a new private sector ecosystem, shifting away from conventional government-centered space activities. SLAhas been established as a general incorporated Association and its activities are conducted through the participation of its membership. We would be grateful of your understanding of, and support for, the activities of the Association. To open up a new world of space transportation and space activities, we would like to create a space where the next generation of leaders can play an active role in moving the world forward. I look forward to working with you.

June 2021
Representative Director
Yoshifumi Inatani