7 May 2008: For the better part of the last half-century Japan has reigned supreme as the preeminent regional power in Asia. Its world-class economy—the world’s second largest in terms of GDP—sustained miraculous growth with little interruption from the 1960’s to the present day, resulting in a trajectory of development unequaled during that period. Japan has thus managed to achieve a unique level of global power based solely on its economic prowess, technological innovation, and ability to adapt to changing markets. With no usable military to speak of, Japan’s influence is effectively demonstrated in terms yen, which to this point has been significant enough to cement them firmly as a top tier international actor. Yet, Japan’s influence has been challenged as of late. With the emergence of other Asian economies, most notably those of China and India, many have suggested Japan to be losing a grip on its stronghold of regional power.

In the midst of this power jockeying a new challenge seems to arise. The past has shown us that space exploration provides a measurable indicator of earthly influence. The United States outpacing the Soviet Union in the Cold War’s space race left a vacuum, so to speak, in man’s celestial ambition. As the sole world power and with no competitive motivation NASA’s programs seemed to lose global validity.

The vacuum is now quickly being filled by nations that are coming of age developmentally and recognize this void as an opportunity to demonstrate their maturation. Russia, India, China, and South Korea, all burgeoning economic forces, have thrown their proverbial hats into this generation’s race for space.

China kicked off the clamor when in 2003 they became only the third country to put a man into space aboard their Shenzhou V spacecraft. Before this time, China’s space program focused mainly on rocketing European satellites into orbit. This bold jump forward made regional neighbors take note of China’s scientific and technological advancements. In 2005 they launched yet another successful manned earth orbit mission and in October 2007, CNSA, China’s NASA equivalent, sent the region’s first lunar probe to the moon. China’s multistep plan to put a man on the moon as early as 2020 has been well publicized.

India’s space program has traditionally been one of modest, practical ambitions. In the wake of China’s recent and impressive accomplishments India has been compelled to up the ante as its own goals become ever loftier. India’s space agency, ISRO, has increased its output of satellites launched since 2003 and has stated that it too is engaged in a lunar program and expects to put the first Indian on the moon sometime within the next two decades. India recently launched a rocket that successfully deployed a U.S. topping record, 10 satellites into Earth’s orbit, further demonstrating their capabilities to compete in the multi-billion dollar space market.

The South Korean space program is still in its embryonic stages. Most of the goals are short term and concentrate mostly on developing satellite-imaging tools to keep tabs on neighbor to the north. South Korea recently launched a number of military satellites into orbit and has been working closely with Russia’s Federal Space Agency to help further develop the space program.

The countries involved all downplay the competitive factors involved in their pursuits for space. However, it is evident that China’s ambitious strides have motivated the region into action. The race for the moon is a matter of extreme national pride. China, India, Japan and Russia all have their eyes set on becoming the second country to plant its flag on the moon. This lunar race has revitalized NASA’s competitive spirit, which claims that its new lunar program will put another man on the moon before the end of the next decade. As of right now, China leads in the Asian race. In a region where a premium is placed on science and technology, Japan’s bread and butter for so long, the slide into second place could have immense nationalistic implications, for both Japan and China.

Much of the technology being developed in these space programs, experts say, can easily be used militarily and in the possible weaponization of space. In 2007 China shot down one of its own nonfunctional satellites with an anti-satellite missile. This act raised red flags all over the world, especially in Japan where its technology is constitutionally mandated to be used only for peaceful purposes. In this way Japan is in an extremely vulnerable position. Surrounded by nuclear states with growing economies, groundbreaking space programs and unrestricted military development, Japan finds itself backed into a corner.

A way for Japan to remain competitive in this atmosphere is to remain on the cutting edge of space technology, which in a roundabout way will keep it militarily autonomous and technologically up to speed with its neighbors. Since the North Korean missile test over Japanese territory in 1998, Japan has been leery of its pacifist approach to regional relations and its overdependence on the U.S. military umbrella. This race may be an opportunity for Japan to flex its own muscle and dispel notions of its decline.

Japan, keenly aware of the vulnerability of its status as Asia’s super-power has had little choice but to make its own declarations about the future of its space program. With their economic dominance in jeopardy and no way to compete militarily with its nuclear capable neighbors, an opportunity to duke it out technologically may be to Japan’s advantage. Japan holds the bragging rights as the first Asian country to launch a satellite into Space, yet that era has passed and the bar has been significantly raised. Japan is now on the outside looking in as China demonstrates its strength as a new age power. The coming years will show weather Japan can withstand China’s bid for the region’s top spot.