Overview

PURPOSE

Gathering players from industry, academia and
government, the Consortium will envisage
the future of Satellite Earth Observation and
realize it through co-creation.

VISION

- Envision the Future with Satellite Earth Observation -
Safe, secure, sustainable and prosperous society
realized through creating innovation, enhancing space
industry and acquiring scientific knowledge

MISSION

The Consortium led by industry, academia and government will
1. Deliver recommendations of the over all strategy of Earth
observation satellite for Japanese society;
2. Promote co-creation among industry, academia and government,
install outcome from Satellite Earth Observation to the society,
]and establish an ecosystem*;
3. Share the value of Satellite Earth Observation to gain
support from the public for its promotion.

* Connection between the environment and stakeholders involved in Satellite Earth Observation



CONSEO will: (1) contribute to policy agendas, such as the Basic Plan on Space Policy and the Implementation Plan, by offering comprehensive strategic recommendations in the field of Japanese satellite Earth observation across industry, academia, and government; (2) lead global efforts in addressing climate change by leveraging Japan's strengths in Earth observation and Earth science; (3) aim for the growth of the space industry in Japan by promoting concrete collaboration among industry, academia, and government, and by expanding CONSEO's participation across diverse industries.

Message from the Chairperson

On September 7, 2022, I had the honor of being appointed as the chairman at the inaugural general meeting of the Satellite Earth Observation Consortium. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greetings on the occasion of my appointment.

The international community is currently facing unprecedented uncertainty and crises, beginning with the spread of COVID-19 and including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Concurrently, the world is increasingly confronted with the climate crisis. In 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) unequivocally stated that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, oceans, and land, removing any doubt about this assertion for the first time. In Japan, the increase in linear precipitation zones and severe disasters is palpable, highlighting the urgent question of how humanity will address the climate crisis. It is crucial to build a resilient societal structure with an eye to the future.

Satellite Earth observation plays a vital role in constructing a sustainable future society. By providing timely diverse environmental information, from the 3D topography and vegetation of land areas to oceanic and atmospheric data, it contributes to rapid disaster response, achieving carbon neutrality, and fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among various challenges.

Moreover, the space industry market has entered an era of government-private collaboration, moving away from government-led initiatives, energized by the active participation of private companies, including venture businesses. Looking beyond the space industry, further environmental changes are anticipated due to digital advancements (realization of Society 5.0, construction of Smart Cities, progression of AI technology), which, in response, are expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the use of satellite observation data in the ICT field and an expansion of the Earth observation satellite market.

In these turbulent times, the Satellite Earth Observation Consortium was established to compile comprehensive strategies for Japan's Earth observation satellites across industry, academia, and government, and to promote concrete collaborative efforts. By contributing to society through new uses of satellite data, the consortium aims to navigate the rapidly changing global situation while being mindful of Japan's strengths and envisioning its future role. We will work in collaboration with professionals from the industrial and academic sectors to advance this consortium. Therefore, I sincerely ask for your increased participation and support.

September 2022

Atsushi Sunami
Chairperson of Consortium for
Satellite Earth Observation (CONSEO)

Prospectus

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic's global spread and the social transformations underway, more international cooperation is imperative within the global community. Concurrently, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has escalated global divisions and threats to economic security, marking a significant turning point in our era. Amidst these challenges, humanity is confronted with the urgent task of addressing the crises and transformations brought about by climate change, striving for climate resilience. It is crucial, therefore, to develop social structures that are forward-looking.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of various stakeholders, satellite Earth observation has become indispensable for building a sustainable society. It addresses global challenges such as disaster response, national resilience, climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contributes to security. The space industry market has recently seen active participation from the private sector, including venture companies, marking a shift in Japan towards government-private partnerships rather than sole government leadership. Beyond the space industry, significant environmental changes are anticipated due to digital advancements (Society 5.0, AI technology progression, and Smart City development). Consequently, the satellite Earth observation market is expected to expand significantly through the extensive use of satellite data in the ICT field.

In response to these evolving circumstances, CONSEO has been established with the following objectives:

To contribute to policy agendas, such as the Basic Plan on Space Policy and the Implementation Plan, by offering comprehensive strategic recommendations in the field of Japanese satellite Earth observation across industry, academia, and government.
To lead global efforts in addressing climate change by leveraging Japan's strengths in
To aim for the growth of the space industry in Japan by promoting concrete collaboration among industry, academia, and government, and by expanding CONSEO's participation across diverse industries.

Organization

  • General Assembly
    Important matters related to the activities and the management, including the consortium activity policy and overall strategic recommendations are discussed and decided. In addition, information sharing, exchange of opinions, and discussions among members are conducted.
  • Executive Committee
    As the executive body of the Consortium, the Executive Committee deliberates and decides on matters necessary to the activities and operations of the Consortium.
  • Subcommittee /Working Group
    Subcommittee is a forum for broad discussion among members on topics to be discussed in the Consortium. Agenda items that require identification of participants due to the content of the discussion will be discussed in Working Groups.
  • JAXA serves as the Secretariat.

Membership list

The CONSEO membership list is below. (Only information on members who requested to be listed at the time of admission is posted.)

Membership list (Latest version) (PDF) *Japanese only

Activities

  • Facilitate comprehensive discussion and formulate strategic recommendations in the field of Satellite Earth Observation across industry, academia, and government
  • Promote co-creation related to satellite development/demonstration and data use among industry, academia and government, and promote end-user expansion including non-space sector
  • Collect and share domestic and international information among members
  • Promote networking and develop human resources, and disseminate information on outcomes
  • Other activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the Consortium

History

  • 2022 September: Establishment of Consortium for Satellite Earth Observation (CONSEO)

Secretariat

CONSEO Secretariat
Satellite Applications and Operations Center (SAOC)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
2-1-1, Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8505 Japan
Contact us