The Role of the Asia-Pacific Space Forum in Quality Management

In this episode of The Quality Horizon, Isatada Matsune of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries discusses the work of the Asia Pacific Space Forum, a specialized group within the IAQG Asia Pacific sector focused on strengthening quality alignment across the region’s expanding space industry. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The forum’s mission 
• Aligning QMS and 9100 expectations 
• Regional collaboration and momentum 
• What’s ahead for Asia Pacific Space Forum 

As the Asia Pacific space sector accelerates, this episode highlights the value of shared standards, cross‑agency collaboration, and unified quality practices that strengthen mission success across the region. 

Transcript

Susan Matson: [00:13 – 01:31] Greetings, everyone, and welcome. I'm your host, Susan Matson, and with me today is Isatada Matsune. Isatada is with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Additionally, he is the leader of the IAQG Asia Pacific Space Forum. Isatada, welcome to the show. Thank you. To remind our listeners, and before we get started, I wanted to let everyone know that the IAQG is comprised of a variety of committees and writing teams that all work together to advance and harmonize the aviation space and defense industry. One of those committees specifically focuses on space and the nuances this part of the industry they must address or we must address. In addition to that, IAQG is also organized geographically into sectors to further acknowledge and consider any regional differences that may come up. These sectors are the Asia-Pacific, which is also known as the APAQG; Europe, which includes the Middle East and Africa, known as the EAQG; and the Americas, known as the AAQG. So to start things off, Isatada, Can you introduce the Asia-Pacific Space Forum and its members and explain the primary purpose? 

Isatada Matsune: [01:32 – 02:54] Sure. The APAQG Space Forum is a specialized working group for the space industries under the Asia-Pacific Aerospace Quality Group, which itself is part of the global IAQG structure. Its members include major aerospace and space-related organizations in Japan, like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, IHI Aerospace, and NEC Corporation. The primary purpose of ours is to work on expanding the application of the 9100 standard, which is QMS, quality management system requirements in the aerospace sector, to the space industry in the Asia-Pacific region. We focus on harmonizing QMS requirements, sharing best practices across countries and organizations, and ensuring that manufacturers and suppliers in the space industry meet consistent and internationally recognized quality standards. This helps improve reliability and safety for space missions while reducing costs across the supply chain. In addition, we work closely with JAXA and space agencies in other countries, which are our stakeholders. Space agencies also participate in our meetings, so we gather and reflect their needs on QMS. 

Susan Matson: [02:55 – 03:06] So to help our listeners understand the reach of your group, can you specifically address the areas that fall under the Asia-Pacific sector in general? 

Isatada Matsune: [03:07 – 04:00] Absolutely. APAQG covers the entire aerospace value chain within the Asia-Pacific region. That includes civil and defense aviation, space systems, and supporting industries like propulsion, avionics, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul, MRO. Geographically, it spans countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and others in the region. Each country often has its own subgroup, for example, JAQG in Japan or CAQG in China, but APAQG brings them together under one umbrella to align on the 9100 standard. Japan is currently leading space forum activities within APAQG, and we are aiming to establish space forum following Japan. 

Susan Matson: [04:01 – 04:14] So what was the inspiration to create this Asia Pacific forum? in the region versus just falling under the IAQG Space Forum umbrella? 

Isatada Matsune: [04:14 – 05:14] Yes, the inspiration came from two main drivers. First, the rapid growth of space activities in Asia-Pacific countries here, investing heavily in satellite programs, launch services, and exploration missions. That growth created a new need for consistent quality standards across borders. Second, APAQG wanted to ensure that the space sector benefits from the same structured approach to quality that aviation already has. By creating the Space Forum, we provide a platform for collaboration among manufacturers, agencies, and suppliers so they can share best practices and align on standards. This was also influenced by regional initiatives like APRSAF, Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, which highlighted the importance of cooperation in space for safety and sustainability. 

Susan Matson: [05:14 – 05:27] When it comes to the work and the influence, and actually I should say, how does what you're doing impact the aerospace and space industry in Asia Pacific? 

 Isatada Matsune: [05:28 – 06:15] Yes, our work within the Asia-Pacific Space Forum directly impacts the space industries by driving harmonization of quality standards across the region. This means suppliers and manufacturers in countries like Japan, China, South Korea, and India can align with globally recognized requirements such as the 9100 standard and the space-specific standards. By doing this, we reduce duplication of audits, improve reliability for space missions, and create a more efficient supply chain. Ultimately, this helps Asia-Pacific companies compete globally while ensuring safety and mission success for satellite, launch vehicles, and other space systems. 

Susan Matson: [06:17 – 06:30] It sounds like this is very much a vital player, that your team is playing a vital role, but Why do you think it's important to have a space focus forum for the region? 

Isatada Matsune: [06:31 – 07:26] The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest growing regions for space activities, including satellite constellations, lunar missions, and commercial launch services. However, without a dedicated forum, there is a risk of fragmentation and inefficiency due to the lack of a cross-cutting space agency like ESA. differences in the maturity of the space industry from country to country, and unique regulations and practices. The Space Forum provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment on standards. It also addresses regional challenges like debris mitigation and space traffic management, which are critical as more players enter the market. In short, it ensures that growth happens in a safe, sustainable and globally integrated way. 

Susan Matson: [07:27 – 07:49] So the work, your collaboration and the knowledge sharing that you specifically spoke to is really at the heart of the mission of the IAQG as a whole. So how do you think the, how does the APAQG space forum connect with the global IAQG space forum? How does the sector relate and go back and forth? And what do you bring to the table? 

Isatada Matsune: [07:50 – 08:36] Yes, APAQG space forum is part of the IAQG structure. So we work hand in hand with the global space forum. Our role is to bring the voice of Asia Pacific stakeholders into global discussions on standards and best practices. For example, when IAQG develops new initiatives like the SCMH, Supply Chain Management Handbook, titled Space Application for Beginners or Space Quality Management, APAQG ensures regional input and supports implementation locally. We also share lessons learned from Asia Pacific programs with other sectors, Americas and Europe, so the entire industry benefits from the unified approach. 

Susan Matson: [08:37 – 08:45] So let's talk a little bit about the team that you're engaged with. What types of activities or projects do you organize for the group? 

Isatada Matsune: [08:46 – 09:25] Yes, the APAQG Space Forum meets twice a year to share with the Asia-Pacific region the status of IAQG-level discussions on various standards and best practices, such as sharing examples of the use of QMS tools provided by IAQG. In addition, at events attended by national space agencies, research institutes, companies and other organizations, The Space Forum builds relationships with national space agencies, promotes various QMS standards, and grasps the current status of the space industry in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Susan Matson: [09:25 – 09:39] Okay, now I understand that you recently participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency forum, the APRSAF, in the Philippines. So what were you doing there and what was the role that you played? 

Isatada Matsune: [09:40 – 10:50] Yes, APRSAF, Asia Pacific Space Agency Forum, is the largest space-related conference in the region, attended by a variety of organizations, including private companies, universities, and research institutes, as well as space agencies and administrative agencies from over 40 countries and regions. It is held every year jointly by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan, JAXA, and host country. This year, APRSAF was held on November 17th through 21st in Cebu, the Philippines. The Space Agency and the Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines, is still in its infancy, and awareness of QMS is not yet high, Therefore, APAQG Space Forum set up a booth to promote QMS standards. In addition, APAQG Space Forum held hearings with startup companies which have been actively entering the space industry in recent years to gather opinions and information on QMS. 

Susan Matson: [10:50 – 10:58] So you were there this year at the APRSAF event. What were some of the key outcomes or insights did you see from that experience? 

Isatada Matsune: [10:59 – 11:34] Yes, about 19 people visited the AP-APG booth during four days. And we think it was a good promotion for those who are not familiar with QMS. PHILSA, the Philippine Space Agency, is a young organization that just acquired ISO 9001 certification in August this year. And we do take some time to acquire the 9100 certification and apply the 9100 requirements to suppliers, but we feel that the sensitivity to QMS is increasing. 

Susan Matson: [11:35 – 11:46] With the sector still developing, these space forum programs, what are some of the challenges that you faced and are you're seeing and how are they being overcome? 

Isatada Matsune: [11:47 – 12:21] According to the interviews with the startup companies, there was a tendency for many companies to consider the establishment of QMS that meets the current requirement over the 9100 standard as a cost burden due to their organization size. So the 9150, which is currently under consideration at the IAQG level, may be the answer to the appropriate QMS requirements for such small organizations. So, we will continue to collect information. 

Susan Matson: [12:21 – 12:36] I'm sure we'll hear a lot about that in the coming year, too. So, it sounds like APR SAF was beneficial for the group to attend. Do you plan on participating or is this going to remain part of your strategy? 

Isatada Matsune: [12:37 – 13:01] Yes. One of the motivations for participating in APR-SAF is to build relationships with space agencies in host countries. This is because we believe that the origin of the QMS requirements is largely due to the thinking of space agencies. Therefore, we'd like to continue participating in APL South and continue building relationships with space agencies. 

Susan Matson: [13:01 – 13:05] I'm going to assume the answer is yes, but do you plan to attend next year? 

Isatada Matsune: [13:06 – 13:15] Yes, next APL South will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2026. and the APEQG Space Forum plans to continue participating. 

Susan Matson: [13:15 – 13:30] Wonderful. I'm sure there'll be many more people at the booth next year. But if you don't mind, I'd like to switch gears and talk a little bit about Asia Pacific Forum membership. So what companies are currently involved in the Forum? 

Isatada Matsune: [13:32 – 14:03] The APEQG Space Forum is essentially a J-AQG Space Forum and consists of the Japanese aerospace manufacturers like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, IHL Space and NEC Corporation. As there are no space forum in other countries, there are no organized activities. However, at the APXG meetings held twice a year, major aerospace manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region participate and exchange opinions. 

Susan Matson: [14:03 – 14:11] Can you give our listeners in the region maybe an idea of how new companies or professionals could participate? 

Isatada Matsune: [14:11 – 15:04] Yes, aerospace-related organizations that share space forum objectives can participate. The process is simple. First, review and accept the APAQG charter. Second, submit an application to the APAQG Secretariat with your organization's detailed and contact information. Third, the application is reviewed and approved by the AP AQG Board of Directors. Once approved, your organization can attend AP-EQG meetings, participate in working groups such as Space Forum, and contribute to initiatives such as quality standards development. Professionals usually participate through company membership, but there are also opportunities to participate as invited experts in specific projects and technical discussions. 

Susan Matson: [15:04 – 15:33] Thank you for that. And for those listening to learn more about the Asia Pacific membership, please visit IAQG.org and you'll look to find the sectors under APAQG. There's where you'll find the APAQG charter and the steps that Isatada just shared with us. So, before I let you go, I've got two more questions for you. The first one is, let's talk about the coming plans. What are the plans and priorities you have for the next year? 

Isatada Matsune: [15:35 – 15:51] Yes, we believe it is important to establish and continue relationships with NASA space agencies through APL staff and to consider appropriate QMS requirements for small organizations, which is a characteristic of the space industry. 

Susan Matson: [15:52 – 15:59] And then one last question. What is it going to be like over the next five years? What do you really hope to accomplish? 

Isatada Matsune: [15:59 – 16:26] Yes, it is hope that the establishment of Space Forum in countries other than Japan and the expansion of space forum activities throughout the APAQG will serve as a forum for the exchange of opinions among space agencies and the space industries in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the development of the space industry in the region through discussions on improving the quality of the space industry. 

Susan Matson: [16:26 – 16:48] Thank you, Isatada. I know our listeners have appreciated all the work that has been done by this group. Best of luck to you as you expand the committee's activities in the region and accomplish some of those five-year goals you have. This is Susan Matson, and you have been listening to the IAQG Quality Horizon. Until next time, stay safe.