It is treasurable concern probing into how Japan got civilized. As Japan is the hub of civilization and technological innovation, drawing lesson and working hand in glove with Japanese institutions and professionals are inevitable for the advancement and modernization of the country.
Obviously, technology renders the lives of human beings easy and simple. Simplicity has led people to manage resources appropriately and to improve the living standard of the society. Also technology is instrumental in troubleshooting the problems of the country and come up with alternative solutions for the challenges and difficulties resulting in socioeconomic degradation.
Injecting the necessary and cutting-edge technological outputs for the prosperity of the country, setting platform to pact on space satellite technology with Japan private satellite companies, professionals and governments have contributed a lot to pump space technology and knowledge on the mind of Ethiopians.
In this regard, Japan could play its own contribution for the current attempts of space utilization. Because of this, The Ethiopian Herald has approached Scientist Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace.
Axelspace is a micro-satellite firm based in Tokyo. Scientist Yuya spoke to the Ethiopian Herald about how to promote the idea of space democratization. Space is no longer the privilege of only the developed countries.
Herald: To what extent does the partnership between Japan and Ethiopia pertaining to building relation in the field of space science technology going?
Yuya: I think we can do a lot. We can work together with Ethiopia. We can use the development of space technology for the mutual benefit of the two countries. But specific pre-conditions should be stated. Utmost pre-condition is that space utilization should be allowed for the private sectors.
In this regard, we can provide imagery data, its development. We are specifically doing value addition on our products. Frankly speaking, its mutual benefit for the two countries is immense.
Especially, it is a great opportunity for Ethiopia to enter into space science. If one gets more knowledge and an in depth understanding on every specific scenario, one will access data easily.
Herald: How do you assess the current attempts of Ethiopia in promoting space science technology?
Yuya: As a matter of fact, it is very ambitious. Of course, building a manufacturing space is important for data management of the country. But satellite business should be prioritized in the nation as well.
Obviously, we develop satellite to provide data. Therefore, I suggest that “Let us work hard in concert to utilize space for data collection.”
If you are good at utilizing data, it is easy to make specification and conduct tasks using the satellite.
Satellite is a tool to browse data for adding values in the products. When you consider satellite as a tool, you have to have an in depth understanding and knowledge on how to use satellite for data gathering. Ethiopia has showed interest in data utilization for the development of the country.
Herald: How do you assess the role of the embassy of Japan in setting partnership with Ethiopia?
Yuya: The embassy is trying to connect us with people and government entities of Ethiopia. It wants us to work in the application of space technology. So, we are eager to jumpstart space technology in the country.
Herald: Is it possible to make private satellites a reality here in this country?
Yuya: Actually, if you want to make a private satellite company, you need a supply chain that is capable to provide spare parts and manufacturing centers.
You need to have supply chain in here. Otherwise, you need to import spare parts from abroad. It takes considerable time. But in the near future, it is possible to build private satellite companies here in the country.
Herald: would you say something on the significance of private satellite for the private companies and research institutions of the country?
Yuya: It is important because the traditional satellite is brought by branding institutions of the government.
And private companies should note on how to use satellites at lower prices. This Japanese satellite company is interested to work collaboratively with private sectors and with other private owned institutions.
Herald: Do you think space utilization is not any more on the hand of the government, but it is also a property of private companies and institutions?
Yuya:
Definitely,
I agree with this idea. I
think it is important for private sector to utilize data. Space data can be widely used for the private sectors and institutions.
Privatizing space data is important for dictating data and to use for private assets. So, we can see many more in utilizing the satellite for private sectors. Space utilization is possible for private sectors to benefit them in handling data.
Herald: Could you briefly tell us about Axelspace Satellite Company?
Yuya: Axelspace satellite technology is a Tokyo-based Company. We have developed six micro satellites. And we have developed warehouses as Japanese private company. We conduct business demonstration using satellite in Tokyo.
We also have technology demonstration. We are doing private satellite business since the company’s establishment. We have started work since 2015. We are raising 17 million dollar capital. In this project we are launching at least 10 satellites to construct concession and to monitor on the daily bases.
This is a new generation earth observation. Existing satellites are lower frequency and higher resolution images. Currently, we are providing a high frequency service. That is our current focus. We are launching four satellites in 2020.We hope to have more than five in 2022.With that, we will start the full service.
Herald: What sort of activities Axelspace satellite technology does in the field of space science?
Yuya: We are taking pictures using remote sensing satellites. So what we used to do in previous times, we are taking pictures related to forestry areas.
When I said satellite, it is pictures of the earth. By monitoring the same place, we can detect a place. That is what is happening on the ground.
This satellite is mostly used for business insights. For instance, we can see the growth of crops and the functioning of gas pipelines. Generally speaking, our core technology is detecting daily changes of the earth in the space.
Herald: Tell us about the cost it takes to build modern microsatellites?
Yuya: Determinants of the cost depend on the mission. If you want to make new satellite from the scratch, its cost is up to 10 million dollars. If you have a plan to build a big satellite, it takes up to 1 or 2 billion dollars. It depends up on the mission of the satellite. But, I believe in microsatellite, we can develop it around 10 million dollars.
Herald: What kind of plans Axelspace satellite technology have in the Africa continent?
Yuya: Primary mission of Axelspace satellite technology is creating new industry in Africa.It could play a role in building manufacturing satellite due to the fact that it takes time to build satellite industry in the continent. We can provide satellite imagery.
Imagery is mostly not used in various fields of studies. It only use for national security, that aiming to military purposes. We are actively engaging many players, including private sectors.
We use satellite data to create values. In these cases, Africa as a continent has huge values to screen data and information by using satellite. It can play a significant role to help for several aspects in the Africa countries.
Herald: How could Axelspace mange to secure the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country?
Yuya: Actually, I think it can be used for protecting national security of the country in protecting border areas. Space satellite helps to keep border areas of the country. I think it is very difficult to clarify this with an example.
It can be used for border control and national security of the country. And as well it can serve as instrument for maintaining the coastal security of the country. It can detect illegal shipping movements.
Herald: How far is space science moving forward at the global level?
Yuya: When I say space science business, there are about many areas of businesses. Satellitesis used for internet services, flying to the planets, and developing a new rocket. Satellite business is growing rapidly at the global scale. In the near future, it is taken as business of business. It is a rapidly growing business area throughout the world.
Herald: Do you think space technology is paramount for the data management of the country?
Yuya: Definitely, I think space data. I think we need to combine the data in the space to extract some information. I think space data is very important. Space enables to access great deal of data. If you need to use the data for agricultural inputs, it needs application for it.
The agriculture application is useful for monitoring agricultural growth. You can make a practical application to browsing data in the ground of soil types and other element inside on it.
Herald: At last, you are welcome to convey your message?
Yuya: I am fond of to work hand in glove with local partners to promote space activity.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITIONFEBRUARY 16 / 2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
