Cooperation between Japan and the United States in Space in the Period 2016-2020.

This paper aims to study Japan-US space cooperation within the 2016-2020 timeframe and identify both key trends and specific factors that induced these trends, and answer the question of why did Japan initiate these steps towards closer space cooperation despite certain turbulences in their relations during Trump’s administration? A cohesive theoretical framework of astropolitics is established, including enhanced framework and model for space cooperation evaluation, which then is used on a database compiled from JAXA and NASA repositories. General trends of Japan-US space cooperation in the reviewed period are then analyzed, using quantitative research, and supported by the qualitative research of Japan’s and the US’ official documents on space policy and space cooperation frameworks. Then, drawing from the results, Artemis moon exploration mission is chosen for a case-study, and assessed in comparison with Japan’s participation in the International Space Station. Using materials gathered during the previous steps of research, a general outline of internal and external factors that shaped Japan’s participation in Artemis is identified, with some of the factors considered to reach out of the particular case. The dynamic of Japan-US cooperation is then described in relation to hypothesis, showcasing that the initial concept for this research was proven partially, with some factors being unrelated to the chosen time period. Finally, recommendations are made on how this research can be extended further.