Manned Space Flights : an Indigenous Manned Space Vehicle

[termogard]

Currently Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA is assembling a second national automated cargo craft HII-TV for the International Space Station. Years ago, the Agency developed a research Module "KIBO" for the ISS and created a national Astronaut Corps. But Japan still depends on American and Russian sides to deliver astronauts to and from Earth orbit.
So, the question is : do Japan need an indigenous manned space vehicle, no matter, expendable or multi-purpose?
Post your opinions, please.

[Ronin4hire]

What would be the point apart from stroking the national ego?

Unless the Japanese find the Russian spacecraft inadequate or the space shuttle replacement the Americans are working on insufficient then I see no point in Japan developing a manned spacecraft.

[termogard]

Originally Posted by Ronin4hire

What would be the point apart from stroking the national ego?

Unless the Japanese find the Russian spacecraft inadequate or the space shuttle replacement the Americans are working on insufficient then I see no point in Japan developing a manned spacecraft.

National ego....yes. National ego still drives Sony, Sharp, Hitachi and other famous megacorporations of japanese origin all around the Globe.
What about economic effectiveness? Which way is better : to have a national manned spacecraft or to pay Russian or American side for a single seat inside Soyuz or Space Shuttle ?
Even China developed a national piloted spacecraft. Well, it looks out like a copy of Soviet / Russian Soyuz but it was developed on chinese soil by chinese aerospace engineers.

[MMM]

I am confused. Half of the time people don't want to depend on America to help them do stuff, and now I am hearing, why have a space program when America already has it?

[termogard]

Originally Posted by MMM

I am confused. Half of the time people don't want to depend on America to help them do stuff, and now I am hearing, why have a space program when America already has it?

Indeed. A role of junior partner in manned space exploration...is it so bad?

[Ronin4hire]

Originally Posted by MMM

I am confused. Half of the time people don't want to depend on America to help them do stuff, and now I am hearing, why have a space program when America already has it?

That's because you're mishearing things and don't understand the nature of the ISS project.

Also in case you didn't know.. Japan has its own space program but as of late I haven't heard them commit manned spaceflight.