View source for JAXA

{{Short description|Japan's national air and space agency}}
{{About|Japan's space agency||Jaxa (disambiguation)}}<!-- For consistency of spelling. Many of JAXA facilities use 'center', not 'centre' (per [[MOS:ENGVAR]] [[MOS:RETAIN]]). -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox Space agency
| name          = Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
| native_name_a = {{lang|ja|宇宙航空研究開発機構}}
| native_name_r = {{transliteration|ja|Uchū Kōkū Kenkyū Kaihatsu Kikō}}
| acronym       = JAXA ({{lang|ja|ジャクサ}})
| logo          = Jaxa logo.svg
| logo_size     = 220px
| type          = [[National Research and Development Agency (Japan)|National Research and Development Agency]]
| owner         = [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology]]
| motto         = ''One JAXA''
| URL           = {{URL|https://global.jaxa.jp/}}
| established   = {{start date and age|df=y|2003|10|1}}
| preceding1    = [[National Space Development Agency|NASDA]]
| preceding2    = [[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science|ISAS]]
| preceding3    = [[National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan|NAL]]
| jurisdiction  = [[Government of Japan]]
| headquarters  = [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]], [[Tokyo]], Japan
| spaceport     = [[Tanegashima Space Center]]
| administrator = {{ill|Hiroshi Yamakawa (space engineer)|lt=Hiroshi Yamakawa|ja|山川宏 (宇宙工学者)}}
| budget        = {{JP¥|215.5 billion|link=yes}} ({{US$|1.46 billion|link=no}}) (FY2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jaxa.jp/about/transition/index_j.html | title=Transition | website=JAXA }}</ref>
}}

The {{nihongo|'''Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency''' ('''JAXA''')|国立研究開発法人宇宙航空研究開発機構|Kokuritsu-kenkyū-kaihatsu-hōjin Uchū Kōkū Kenkyū Kaihatsu Kikō|{{literal translation|[[Japanese National Research and Development Agencies|National Research and Development Agency]] Aerospace Research and Development Organisation}}}} is the Japanese national [[Aeronautics|air]] and [[space agency]]. Through the merger of three previously independent organizations, JAXA was formed on 1 October 2003. JAXA is responsible for research, technology development and launch of [[satellite]]s into [[Geocentric orbit|orbit]], and is involved in many more advanced missions such as [[asteroid]] exploration and possible human [[exploration of the Moon]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2007/sep/15/spaceexploration.japan |title=Japan launches biggest moon mission since Apollo landings |access-date=16 September 2007 |work=guardian.co.uk/science | location=London | first=Justin | last=McCurry | date=15 September 2007}}</ref> Its motto is ''One JAXA''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol21/p2_e.html|title=JAXA – Keiji Tachikawa – JAXA in 2006 -|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-date=17 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517153220/http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol21/p2_e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and its corporate slogan is ''Explore to Realize'' (formerly ''Reaching for the skies, exploring space'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2013/10/20131009_jaxa_e.html|title=JAXA – New JAXA Philosophy and Corporate Slogan|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191850/http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2013/10/20131009_jaxa_e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== History ==
{{See also|Japanese space program}}

[[File:Japanese Experiment Module Kibo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|JAXA [[Japanese Experiment Module|''Kibo'']], the largest module of the [[International Space Station|ISS]]]]

On 1 October 2003, three organizations were merged to form the new JAXA: Japan's [[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science]] (ISAS), the [[National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan]] (NAL), and [[National Space Development Agency of Japan]] (NASDA). JAXA was formed as an [[Independent Administrative Institution]] administered by the [[Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology]] (MEXT) and the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications]] (MIC).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.jaxa.jp/about/law/law_e.pdf |title= Law Concerning Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency |publisher=JAXA |access-date=20 April 2010}}</ref>

Before the merger, ISAS was responsible for [[outer space|space]] and planetary research, while NAL was focused on aviation research. ISAS had been most successful in its space program in the field of [[X-ray astronomy]] during the 1980s and 1990s. Another successful area for Japan has been [[Very Long Baseline Interferometry]] (VLBI) with the [[HALCA]] mission. Additional success was achieved with solar observation and research of the [[magnetosphere]], among other areas.

NASDA, which was founded on 1 October 1969, had developed [[rocket]]s, satellites, and also built the [[Japanese Experiment Module]]. The old NASDA headquarters were located at the current site of the [[Tanegashima Space Center]], on [[Tanegashima|Tanegashima Island]], 115 kilometers south of [[Kyūshū]]. NASDA was mostly active in the field of communication satellite technology. However, since the satellite market of Japan is completely open, the first time a Japanese company won a contract for a civilian communication satellite was in 2005. Another prime focus of the NASDA body is Earth [[climate]] observation. NASDA also trained the Japanese astronauts who flew with the US [[Space Shuttle]]s.<ref>Kamiya, Setsuko, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090630i1.html Japan a low-key player in space race] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803053741/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090630i1.html |date=3 August 2009 }}", ''[[Japan Times]]'', 30 June 2009, p. 3.</ref>

The [[Japan Basic Space Law|Basic Space Law]] was passed in 2008, and the jurisdictional authority of JAXA moved from MEXT to the Strategic Headquarters for Space Development (SHSD) in the [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]], led by the [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]]. In 2016, the [[National Space Policy Secretariat]] (NSPS) was set up by the Cabinet.<ref name=spacetechasia20180814>
[http://www.spacetechasia.com/an-overview-of-japans-space-activities/  An overview of Japan's space activities], 14 August 2018.</ref>

JAXA was awarded the [[Space Foundation]]'s John L. "Jack" Swigert Jr., Award for Space Exploration in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/symposium-awards |title=Symposium Awards &#124; National Space Symposium |access-date=2012-01-31 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203060101/http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/symposium-awards |archive-date=3 February 2009 }}</ref>

Planning interplanetary research missions can take many years. Due to the lag time between these interplanetary events and mission planning time, opportunities to gain new knowledge about the cosmos might be lost. To prevent this, JAXA began commencing smaller and faster missions from 2010 onward.

In 2012, new legislation extended JAXA's remit from peaceful purposes only to include some military space development, such as missile early warning systems. Political control of JAXA passed from MEXT to the Prime Minister's [[Cabinet Office (Japan)|Cabinet Office]] through a new Space Strategy Office.<ref name=defensenews-20120622>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120622/DEFREG03/306220001/Japan-Passes-Law-Permitting-Military-Space-Development |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121161226/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120622/DEFREG03/306220001/Japan-Passes-Law-Permitting-Military-Space-Development |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 January 2013 |title=Japan Passes Law Permitting Military Space Development |newspaper=Defense News |date=22 June 2012 |access-date=29 October 2012}}</ref>

===Presidents===
* {{ill|Shūichirō Yamanouchi|ja|山之内秀一郎}} (2003–2004)
* [[Keiji Tachikawa]] (2004–2013)
* {{ill|Naoki Okumura|ja|奥村直樹}} (2013–2018)
* {{ill|Hiroshi Yamakawa (space engineer)|lt=Hiroshi Yamakawa|ja|山川宏 (宇宙工学者)}} (2018–present)

== Rockets ==
[[File:Rockets of NASDAandJAXA scalemodels-atJAXATsukubaSpaceDome20250607.jpg|180px|right|thumb|From left, N-I, N-II, H-I, H-II, H-IIA, H-IIB, H3, Epsilon-1, Enhanced-Epsilon.]]
JAXA used the [[H-IIA]] (H "two" A) rocket from the former NASDA body as a [[medium-lift launch vehicle]]. JAXA has also developed a new medium-lift vehicle [[H3 (rocket)|H3]], that replaced H-II series. For smaller launch needs, JAXA uses the [[Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon]] rocket. For experiments in the upper atmosphere JAXA uses the [[SS-520]], [[S-520]], and [[S-310]] [[sounding rocket]]s.

Other historical, nowadays retired, JAXA orbital rockets are as follows: [[Mu (rocket family)|Mu rocket family]] ([[M-V]]) and [[H-IIB]].

=== Launch development ===
[[File:H-IIA_F19_launching_IGS-O4.jpg|thumb|H-IIA F19 launch]]
[[File:HTV-1 approaches ISS.jpg|thumb|[[H-II Transfer Vehicle]]]]
Japan launched its first satellite, [[Ohsumi (satellite)|Ohsumi]], in 1970, using ISAS' [[Lambda (rocket)|L-4S]] rocket. Prior to the merger, ISAS used small [[Mu (rocket family)|Mu rocket family]] of solid-fueled launch vehicles, while NASDA developed larger liquid-fueled launchers. In the beginning, NASDA used licensed American models.<ref name = "jstage291221"/>

The first model of liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed domestically in Japan was the [[H-II]], introduced in 1994. NASDA developed the H-II with two goals in mind: to be able to launch satellites using only its own technology, such as the ISAS, and to dramatically improve its launch capability over previous licensed models. To achieve these two goals, a [[staged combustion cycle]] was adopted for the first stage engine, the [[LE-7]]. The combination of the [[liquid hydrogen]] two-stage combustion cycle first stage engine and [[solid rocket booster]]s was carried over to its successor, the H-IIA and H-IIB and became the basic configuration of Japan's liquid fuel launch vehicles for 30 years, from 1994 to 2024.<ref name = "jstage291221">{{Cite news
  |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jhts/33/5/33_229/_pdf/-char/ja
  |title=History and Prospect of Liquid Rocket Engine Development in Japan
  |date=|accessdate=21 February 2024|publisher=J Stage
  |archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20211229131449/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jhts/33/5/33_229/_pdf/-char/ja|archivedate = 29 December 2021}}</ref>

In 2003, JAXA was formed by merging Japan's three space agencies to streamline Japan's space program, and JAXA took over operations of the [[H-IIA]] liquid-fueled launch vehicle, the [[M-V]] solid-fuel launch vehicle, and several observation rockets from each agency. The H-IIA is a launch vehicle that improved reliability while reducing costs by making significant improvements to the H-II, and the M-V was the world's largest solid-fuel launch vehicle at the time.<ref name = "jstage291221"/>

In November 2003, JAXA's first launch after its inauguration, H-IIA No. 6, failed, but all other H-IIA launches were successful, and as of June 2025, the H-IIA had successfully launched 48 of its 49 launches. JAXA ended H-IIA operations by retiring it with H-IIA Flight No. 50, that was launched on 28 June 2025.<ref name = "nikkei240112">{{Cite news
  |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC116OJ0R10C24A1000000/
  |title=H2Aロケット48号機打ち上げ成功 情報収集衛星を搭載
  |date=12 January 2024|accessdate=21 February 2024|publisher=Nikkei
  |archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20240213153235/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC116OJ0R10C24A1000000/|archivedate = 13 February 2024}}</ref>

JAXA operated the [[H-IIB]], an upgraded version of the H-IIA, from September 2009 to May 2020 and successfully launched the [[H-II Transfer Vehicle]] six times. This [[cargo spacecraft]] was responsible for resupplying the [[Kibō (ISS module)|Kibo Japanese Experiment Module]] on the [[International Space Station]].<ref name="mynavi Corporation20200909pdf">{{Cite news|url=https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/htv-3/
  |title=「こうのとり」ミッションの集大成、そして未来へバトンをつないだ最終号機
  |date=9 September 2020|accessdate=21 February 2024|publisher=Mynavi Corporation
  |archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20230226091727/https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/htv-3/|archivedate = 26 February 2023}}</ref>

To be able to launch smaller mission on JAXA developed a new solid-fueled rocket, the [[Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon]] as a replacement to the retired [[M-V]]. The maiden flight successfully happened in 2013. So far, the rocket has flown six times with one launch failure.

In January 2017, JAXA attempted and failed to put a miniature satellite into orbit atop one of its SS520 series rockets.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kyodo|date=15 January 2017|title=JAXA fails in bid to launch world's smallest satellite-carrying rocket|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/15/national/science-health/japan-launches-worlds-smallest-satellite-carrying-rocket/#.WH00OlMrJEY|newspaper=The Japan Times|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref> A second attempt on 2 February 2018 was successful, putting a four kilogram CubeSat into Earth orbit. The rocket, known as the SS-520-5, is the world's smallest orbital launcher.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 February 2018|title=Souped-up sounding rocket lifts off from Japan with tiny satellite|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/02/02/ss-520-5-tricom-1r-test-launch/|newspaper=Spaceflight Now|access-date=7 February 2018}}</ref>

In 2023, JAXA began operating the [[H3 (rocket)|H3]], which will replace the H-IIA and H-IIIB; the H3 is a liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed from a completely new design like the H-II, rather than an improved development like the H-IIA and H-IIB, which were based on the H-II. The design goal of the H3 is to increase launch capability at a lower cost than the H-IIA and H-IIB. To achieve this, an [[Expander cycle#Expander bleed cycle|expander bleed cycle]] was used for the first time in the world for the first stage of the engine.<ref name = "mynavi1507151">{{Cite news
  |url=http://news.mynavi.jp/series/jaxa_h3/001/
  |title=新型基幹ロケット「H3」の挑戦 1/5
  |date=15 July 2015
  |accessdate=21 February 2024
  |publisher=Mynavi Corporation
  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912011650/http://news.mynavi.jp/series/jaxa_h3/001/
  |archivedate=12 September 2017
  |url-status=live
  }}</ref><ref name = "mynavi1507152">{{Cite news
  |url=http://news.mynavi.jp/series/jaxa_h3/002/
  |title=新型基幹ロケット「H3」の挑戦 2/5
  |date=22 July 2015
  |accessdate=21 February 2024
  |publisher=Mynavi Corporation
  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928031914/http://news.mynavi.jp/series/jaxa_h3/002/
  |archivedate=28 September 2017
  |url-status=live
  }}</ref><ref name="jaxa20150702pdf">{{Cite press release
  |url=https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2015/07/files/20150702_rocket_j.pdf
  |title=新型基幹ロケットの開発状況について
  |date=2 July 2015|accessdate=21 February 2024|publisher=JAXA
  |archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20230106005035/https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2015/07/files/20150702_rocket_j.pdf|archivedate = 6 January 2023}}</ref>

== Lunar and interplanetary missions ==
Japan's first missions beyond Earth orbit were the 1985 [[Halley's comet]] observation spacecraft [[Sakigake]] (MS-T5) and [[Suisei (spacecraft)|Suisei]] (PLANET-A). To prepare for future missions, ISAS tested Earth swing by orbits with the [[Hiten (spacecraft)|Hiten]] lunar mission in 1990. The first Japanese interplanetary mission was the Mars Orbiter [[Nozomi (probe)|Nozomi]] (PLANET-B), which was launched in 1998. It passed Mars in 2003, but failed to reach Mars orbit due to maneuvering systems failures earlier in the mission. Currently interplanetary missions remain at the ISAS group under the JAXA umbrella. However, for FY 2008 JAXA is planning to set up an independent working group within the organization. New head for this group will be [[Hayabusa]] project manager Kawaguchi.<ref>[http://ilwsonline.org/china_jaxa.pdf Agency's Report from ISAS/JAXA to ILWS WG meeting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107214927/http://ilwsonline.org/china_jaxa.pdf |date=7 January 2016 }}, [[Living With a Star]], 23 July 2006</ref>{{update inline|date=October 2018}}

'''Active Missions:''' [[PLANET-C]], [[IKAROS]], ''[[Hayabusa2]]'', [[BepiColombo]]<br />
''' Under Development:''' [[Martian Moons Explorer|MMX]], [[DESTINY PLUS|DESTINY<sup>+</sup>]]<br />
'''Past missions:''' [[PLANET-B]], [[SELENE]], [[MUSES-C]],  [[Smart Lander for Investigating Moon|SLIM, LEV-1, LEV-2]]<br />
'''Cancelled:''' [[LUNAR-A]]

=== Small body exploration: ''Hayabusa'' mission ===
{{See also|Hayabusa|Hayabusa2}}
[[File:Hayabusa hover.jpg|thumb|''[[Hayabusa]]'']]
On 9 May 2003, ''[[Hayabusa]]'' (meaning [[Peregrine falcon]]), was launched from an [[M-V]] rocket. The goal of the mission was to collect samples from a small [[near-Earth asteroid]] named [[25143 Itokawa]]. The craft [[space rendezvous|rendezvoused]] with the asteroid in September 2005. It was confirmed that the spacecraft successfully landed on the asteroid in November 2005, after some initial confusion regarding the incoming data. ''Hayabusa'' returned to Earth with samples from the asteroid on 13 June 2010.

Hayabusa was the world's first spacecraft to return asteroid samples to Earth and the world's first spacecraft to make a round trip to a celestial body farther from Earth than the Moon.<ref name="mainichi240722">[https://web.archive.org/web/20240219022008/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220722/k00/00m/040/027000c 次に目指す高みとは…はやぶさ2が切り開いた宇宙開発の未来／下.] [[Mainichi Shimbun]]. 24 July 2022</ref>

Hayabusa2 was launched in 2014 and returned samples from asteroid [[162173 Ryugu]] to Earth in 2020.<ref name="mainichi240722"/>

=== Lunar exploration ===
{{Main|Japanese Lunar Exploration Program}}
[[File:Selene.gif|thumb|''[[SELENE|Kaguya]]'']]
After [[Hiten (spacecraft)|Hiten]] in 1990, JAXA planned a lunar penetrator mission called [[LUNAR-A]] but after delays due to technical problems, the project was terminated in January 2007. The seismometer penetrator design for LUNAR-A may be reused in a future mission.

On 14 September 2007, JAXA succeeded in launching the lunar orbit explorer ''[[SELENE|Kaguya]]'', also known as SELENE, on an [[H-2A]] rocket (costing 55 billion yen including launch vehicle), the largest such mission since the [[Apollo program]]. Its mission was to gather data on the [[Moon#Formation|Moon's origin and evolution]]. It entered lunar orbit on 4 October 2007.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.jcnnewswire.com/?aspxerrorpath=/Article.Asp|title=JCN Newswire &#124; Asia Press Release Distribution|website=www.jcnnewswire.com|accessdate=20 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6994272.stm|title=Japan launches first lunar probe|work=BBC News | date=14 September 2007}}</ref> After 1 year and 8 months, it impacted the lunar surface on 10 June 2009 at 18:25 UTC.

JAXA launched its first lunar surface mission [[Smart Lander for Investigating Moon|SLIM]] (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) in 2023. It successfully soft landed on 19 January 2024 at 15:20 UTC, making Japan the 5th country to do so.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/01/19/japan-slim-lunar-lander-touches-down-on-moon.html | title=Japan announces successful SLIM lunar landing, fifth country to reach moon's surface | website=[[CNBC]] | date=19 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |date=2024-01-19 |title=Japan Becomes Fifth Country to Land on the Moon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/12/science/japan-moon-landing-slim |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The main goal of SLIM was to improve the accuracy of spacecraft landing on the Moon and to land a spacecraft within 100 meters of its target, which no spacecraft had achieved before. SLIM landed 55 meters from the target landing site, and JAXA announced that it was the world's first successful "pinpoint landing.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240130141641/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240125/k10014333951000.html 月面探査機 JAXA 世界初の「ピンポイント着陸」に成功と発表.] [[NHK]]. 25 January 2024</ref> Although it landed successfully, it landed with the solar panels oriented westwards, facing away from the Sun at the start of [[lunar day]], thereby failing to generate enough power.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |last2=Ueno |first2=Hisako |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Japan Explains How It Made an Upside-Down Moon Landing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/science/japan-moon-lander-slim.html |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The lander operated on internal battery power, which was fully drained that day. The mission's operators hope that the lander will wake up after a few days when sunlight should hit the solar panels.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last1=Sample |first1=Ian |date=2024-01-19 |title=Japan's Slim spacecraft lands on moon but struggles to generate power |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/jan/19/japan-slim-spacecraft-lands-on-moon-but-struggles-to-generate-power |access-date=2024-01-20 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Two rovers, LEV 1 and 2, deployed during hovering just before final landing are working as expected with LEV-1 communicating independently to the ground stations.<ref name=":8" /> LEV-1 conducted seven hops over 107 minutes on the lunar surface. Images taken by LEV-2 show that it landed in the wrong attitude with loss of an engine nozzle during descent and even possible sustained damage to lander's Earth bound antenna which is not pointed towards Earth.<ref name="youtube.com">{{Citation |title=小型月着陸実証機（SLIM）および小型プローブ（LEV）の月面着陸の結果・成果等 の記者会見 | date=24 January 2024 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U61i0wN01Uk |access-date=2024-01-25 |language=en}}</ref>  The mission was considered fully successful after confirmation that its primary goal, landing within {{cvt|100|m}} of the target was achieved, despite subsequent issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Andrew |date=2024-01-22 |title=Japan's moon lander forced to power down but may yet be revived |url=https://spacenews.com/japans-moon-lander-forced-to-power-down-but-may-yet-be-revived/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SLIM Project Press Kit |url=https://global.jaxa.jp/countdown/slim/SLIM-mediakit-EN_2308.pdf |website=JAXA}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/>

On 29 January, the lander resumed operations after being shut down for a week. JAXA said it re-established contact with the lander and its solar cells were working again after a shift in lighting conditions allowed it to catch sunlight.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68125589 |title=Japan: Moon lander Slim comes back to life and resumes mission |date=29 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-31 |via=www.bbc.com}}</ref> After that, SLIM was put into sleep mode due to the approaching harsh [[lunar night]] where temperatures reach {{Convert|-120|C|F}}. SLIM was expected to operate only for one lunar daylight period, which lasts for 14 Earth days, and the on-board electronics were not designed to withstand the nighttime temperatures on the Moon. On 25 February 2024, JAXA sent wake-up calls and found SLIM had successfully survived the night on the lunar surface while maintaining communication capabilities. At that time it was solar noon on the Moon so the temperature of the communications equipment was extremely high, so communication was terminated after only a short period of time. JAXA is now preparing for resumed operations, once the temperature has fallen sufficiently. The feat of surviving lunar night without a [[Radioisotope heater unit]] had only been achieved by some landers in [[Surveyor Program]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Last night I sent a command and got a response from SLIM. SLIM successfully survived the night on the lunar surface while maintaining communication capabilities! Last night, as it was still midday on the moon, the temperature of the communication equipment was extremely high, so communication was terminated after only a short period of time. From now on, preparations will be made so that observations can be resumed once the temperature has fallen sufficiently. |url=https://twitter.com/SLIM_JAXA/status/1761973417820238275 |website=X ( Formerly Twitter)}}</ref>

=== Planetary exploration ===
[[File:Akatsuki-1.jpg|thumb|''[[Akatsuki (spacecraft)|Akatsuki]]'']]
Japan's planetary missions have so far been limited to the [[Solar System#Inner Solar System|inner Solar System]], and emphasis has been put on [[Magnetosphere|magnetospheric]] and atmospheric research. The [[Mars]] explorer [[Nozomi (spacecraft)|Nozomi]] (PLANET-B), which ISAS launched prior to the merger of the three aerospace institutes, became one of the earliest difficulties the newly formed JAXA faced. Nozomi ultimately passed 1,000&nbsp;km from the surface of Mars. On 20 May 2010, the [[Venus]] Climate Orbiter ''[[Akatsuki (spacecraft)|Akatsuki]]'' (PLANET-C) and [[IKAROS]] solar sail demonstrator was launched by a [[H-2A]] launch vehicle.

On 7 December 2010, Akatsuki was unable to complete its Venus orbit insertion maneuver. Akatsuki finally entered Venus orbit on 7 December 2015, making it the first Japanese spacecraft to orbit another planet, sixteen years after the originally planned orbital insertion of Nozomi. One of Akatsuki's main goal is to uncover the mechanism behind Venus atmosphere's [[Atmosphere of Venus#Circulation|super-rotation]], a phenomenon in which the cloud top winds in the troposphere circulates around the planet faster than the speed that Venus itself rotates. A thorough explanation for this phenomenon has yet been found.
 
JAXA/ISAS was part of the international [[Europa Jupiter System Mission – Laplace|Laplace]] [[Jupiter]] mission proposal from its foundation. A Japanese contribution was sought in the form of an independent orbiter to research Jupiter's magnetosphere, [[Jupiter Magnetospheric Orbiter|JMO]] (Jupiter Magnetospheric Orbiter). Although JMO never left the conception phase, ISAS scientists will see their instruments reaching Jupiter on the ESA-led [[Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer|JUICE]] (Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer) mission. JUICE is a reformulation of the ESA [[Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]] orbiter from the Laplace project. JAXA's contribution includes providing components of the RPWI (Radio & Plasma Wave Investigation), PEP (Particle Environment Package), GALA (GAnymede Laser Altimeter) instruments.

JAXA is reviewing a new spacecraft mission to the Martian system; a sample return mission to [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] called [[Martian Moons Explorer|MMX]] (Martian Moons Explorer).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/06/10/national/science-health/jaxa-plans-probe-bring-back-samples-martian-moons/|title=JAXA plans probe to bring back samples from moons of Mars|date=10 June 2015|access-date=31 August 2018|via=Japan Times Online|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424122437/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/06/10/national/science-health/jaxa-plans-probe-bring-back-samples-martian-moons/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/j/isasnews/backnumber/2016/ISASnews418.pdf#page=3 |title=ISASニュース 2016.1 No.418 |publisher= [[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science]]|date=22 January 2016 |access-date=2016-02-04 |language=ja}}</ref> First revealed on 9 June 2015, MMX's primary goal is to determine the origin of the [[Martian moons]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Torishima |first=Shinya |date=19 June 2015 |title=JAXAの「火星の衛星からのサンプル・リターン」計画とは |url=http://news.mynavi.jp/series/jaxa_mars/001/ |language=ja |newspaper=Mynavi News |access-date=2015-10-06 }}</ref> Alongside collecting samples from Phobos, MMX will perform [[remote sensing]] of [[Deimos (moon)|Deimos]], and may also observe the [[atmosphere of Mars]] as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cps-jp.org/~tansa/pub/2015/2015-08-27/10_imamura/src/20150827_10_imamura.pdf |title=高時間分解能観測がひらく火星ダスト・水循環の科学 |publisher=Center for Planetary Science |date=28 August 2015 |access-date=2016-02-04 |language=ja}}</ref> As of December 2023, MMX is to be launched in fiscal year 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmx.jaxa.jp/en/|title=MMX – Martian Moons eXploration|author=<!--not stated-->|date=26 December 2023|website=JAXA.jp|publisher=Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|access-date=4 January 2024|quote=The current schedule has a launch date in JFY 2026, followed by Martian orbit insertion in JFY 2027 and the spacecraft will return to Earth in JFY 2031.}}</ref>

{{See also|BepiColombo}}

=== Solar sail research ===
{{See|IKAROS}}
[[File:IKAROS solar sail.jpg|thumb|[[IKAROS]]]]
On 9 August 2004, ISAS successfully deployed two prototype [[solar sail]]s from a sounding rocket. A clover-type sail was deployed at 122&nbsp;km altitude and a fan type sail was deployed at 169&nbsp;km altitude. Both sails used 7.5 [[micrometre|micrometer]]-thick film.

ISAS tested a solar sail again as a sub-payload to the [[Akari (satellite)|Akari]] (ASTRO-F) mission on 22 February 2006. However the solar sail did not deploy fully. ISAS tested a solar sail again as a sub payload of the [[Hinode (satellite)|SOLAR-B]] launch at 23 September 2006, but contact with the probe was lost.

The [[IKAROS]]  solar sail was launched in May 2010 and successfully demonstrated solar sail technology in July. This made IKAROS the world's first spacecraft to successfully demonstrate solar sail technology in interplanetary space. The goal is to have a solar sail mission to Jupiter after 2020.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131017010726/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASDG06041_W2A201C1CR8000/ イカロス、世界初の宇宙ヨットでギネス認定.] Nikkei. 6 December 2012</ref>

== Astronomy program ==
{{See also|Scientific research on the ISS}}

The first Japanese astronomy mission was the X-ray satellite Hakucho (CORSA-b), which was launched in 1979. Later ISAS moved into solar observation, radio astronomy through space [[VLBI]] and infrared astronomy.

'''Active Missions:''' [[Hinode (satellite)|SOLAR-B]], [[MAXI (ISS Experiment)|MAXI]], [[SPRINT-A]], [[CALET]], [[X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission|XRISM]]<br />
''' Under Development:'''<br />
'''Retired:''' [[HALCA]], [[ASTRO-F]], [[ASTRO-EII]], and [[ASTRO-H]]<br />
'''Cancelled(C)/Failed(F):''' [[ASTRO-E]] (F), [[ASTRO-G]] (C),

=== Infrared astronomy ===
[[File:Astro-E clean-room.jpg|thumb|right|ASTRO-E]]
Japan's infrared astronomy began with the 15-cm [[Infrared Telescope in Space|IRTS]] telescope which was part of the [[Space Flyer Unit|SFU]] multipurpose satellite in 1995. ISAS also gave ground support for the [[ESA]] [[Infrared Space Observatory]] (ISO) infrared mission.

JAXA's first infrared astronomy satellite was the [[Akari (satellite)|Akari]] spacecraft, with the pre-launch designation [[ASTRO-F]]. This satellite was launched on 21 February 2006. Its mission is [[infrared]] astronomy with a 68&nbsp;cm telescope. This is the first all sky survey since the first infrared mission [[IRAS]] in 1983.
(A 3.6&nbsp;kg [[nanosatellite]] named [[CUTE-1.7]] was also released from the same launch vehicle.)<ref>[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2006-005A Akari], NSSDCA</ref>

JAXA is also doing further R&D for increasing the performance of its mechanical coolers for its future infrared mission, [[SPICA spacecraft|SPICA]]. This would enable a warm launch without liquid helium. SPICA has the same size as the ESA [[Herschel Space Observatory]] mission, but is planned to have a temperature of just 4.5 K and will be much colder. Unlike Akari, which had a [[geocentric orbit]], SPICA will be located at Sun–Earth {{L2|nolink=no}}. The launch is expected in 2027 or 2028 on JAXA's new [[H3 Launch Vehicle]], however the mission is not yet fully funded. ESA and [[NASA]] may also each contribute an instrument.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/no19/p4_e.html|title=JAXA – Takao Nakagawa – Dramatic Birth and Death of Stars -|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-date=1 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901095849/http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/no19/p4_e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The SPICA mission was cancelled in 2020.

=== X-ray astronomy ===
{{See also|ASTRO-H|XRISM}}

Starting from 1979 with [[Hakucho]] (CORSA-b), for nearly two decades Japan had achieved continuous observation. However, in the year 2000 the launch of ISAS's X-ray observation satellite, [[ASTRO-E]] failed (as it failed at launch it never received a proper name).

Then on 10 July 2005, JAXA was finally able to launch a new [[X-ray astronomy]] mission named [[Suzaku (satellite)|Suzaku]] (ASTRO-EII). This launch was important for JAXA, because in the five years since the launch failure of the original ASTRO-E satellite, Japan was without an [[x-ray telescope]]. Three instruments were included in this satellite: an [[X-ray spectrometer]] (XRS), an [[X-ray imaging spectrometer]] (XIS), and a [[hard X-ray detector]] (HXD). However, the XRS was rendered inoperable due to a malfunction which caused the satellite to lose its supply of liquid helium.

The next JAXA x-ray mission is the [[MAXI (ISS Experiment)|Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI)]]. MAXI continuously monitors astronomical X-ray objects over a broad energy band (0.5 to 30 keV). MAXI is installed on the Japanese external module of the ISS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iss.sfo.jaxa.jp/kibo/kibomefc/maxi_e.html |title=MAXI:Experiment – International Space Station – JAXA |author=JAXA |access-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521055336/http://iss.sfo.jaxa.jp/kibo/kibomefc/maxi_e.html |archive-date=21 May 2013 }}</ref> On 17 February 2016, [[Hitomi (satellite)|Hitomi]] (ASTRO-H) was launched as the successor to Suzaku, which completed its mission a year before.

=== Solar observation ===
Japan's solar astronomy started in the early 1980s with the launch of the ''[[Hinotori (satellite)|Hinotori]]'' (ASTRO-A) X-ray mission. The [[Hinode (satellite)|Hinode]] (SOLAR-B) spacecraft, the follow-on to the joint Japan/US/UK [[Yohkoh]] (SOLAR-A) spacecraft, was launched on 23 September 2006 by JAXA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://solar-b.nao.ac.jp/index_e.shtml |title=National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322214057/http://solar-b.nao.ac.jp/index_e.shtml |archive-date=22 March 2012 |access-date=2015-07-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solar-b.msfc.nasa.gov/|title=SSL Redirect... please wait|access-date=12 June 2015}}</ref> A SOLAR-C can be expected sometime after 2020. However no details are worked out yet other than it will not be launched with the former ISAS's Mu rockets. Instead a H-2A from Tanegashima could launch it. As H-2A is more powerful, SOLAR-C could either be heavier or be stationed at {{L1}} ([[Lagrange point]] 1).

=== Radio astronomy ===
In 1997, Japan launched the [[HALCA]] (MUSES-B) mission, the world's first spacecraft dedicated to conduct space VLBI observations of pulsars, among others. To do so, ISAS set up a ground network around the world through international cooperation. The observation part of the mission lasted until 2003 and the satellite was retired at the end of 2005. In FY 2006, Japan funded the [[ASTRO-G]] as the succeeding mission. ASTRO-G was canceled in 2011.

== Communication, positioning and technology tests ==
One of the primary duties of the former NASDA body was the testing of new space technologies, mostly in the field of communication. The first test satellite was ETS-I, launched in 1975. However, during the 1990s, NASDA was afflicted by problems surrounding the ETS-VI and COMETS missions.

In February 2018, JAXA announced a research collaboration with [[Sony]] to test a [[laser communication in space|laser communication]] system from the Kibo module in late 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=JAXA {{!}} Laser Link Communications Technology and Kibo Cooperative Research Agreement by JAXA, Sony CSL and Sony|url=http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2018/02/20180208_i-seep.html|website=JAXA {{!}} Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref>

In January 2025, it was reported that JAXA is collaborating with [[Japan Airlines]] and O-Well Corporation to test a riblet-shaped coating on the airline's [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner|Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner]] that would reduce [[Drag (physics)|aerodynamic drag]] and improve [[fuel efficiency]]. The coating is capable of reducing drag by 0.24%, leading to the savings of 119 tons of fuel and 381 tons of [[Greenhouse gas emissions|CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]] per plane per annum.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Testing of communication technologies remains to be one of JAXA's key duties in cooperation with [[National Institute of Information and Communications Technology|NICT]].

'''Active Missions:''' [[Reimei|INDEX]], [[QZS-1]], [[SLATS]], [[Quasi-Zenith Satellite System|QZS-2]], QZS-3, QZS-4, [[QZS-1R]]<br />
'''Under Development:''' ETS-IX<br />
'''Retired:''' [[OICETS]], [[ETS-VIII]], [[WINDS]]

=== i-Space : ETS-VIII, WINDS and QZS-1 ===
To upgrade Japan's communication technology the Japanese state launched the i-Space initiative with the ETS-VIII and WINDS missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i-space.jaxa.jp/ispace.html |title=I-Space Web Site – i-Space- |access-date=2008-08-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225200106/http://i-space.jaxa.jp/ispace.html |archive-date=25 December 2008 }}</ref>

ETS-VIII was launched on 18 December 2006. The purpose of [[ETS-VIII]] is to test communication equipment with two very large antennas and an atomic clock test. On 26 December both antennas were successfully deployed. This was not unexpected, since JAXA tested the deployment mechanism before with the LDREX-2 Mission, which was launched on 14 October with the European Ariane 5. The test was successful.

On 23 February 2008, JAXA launched the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite ([[WINDS]]), also called "KIZUNA". WINDS aimed to facilitate experiments with faster satellite Internet connections. The launch, using [[H-IIA]] launch vehicle 14, took place from [[Tanegashima Space Center]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2008/02/20080223_kizuna_e.html |title=Launch Result of the KIZUNA (WINDS) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) |publisher=JAXA |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=30 April 2021}}</ref> WINDS was decommissioned on 27 February 2019.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2019/03/20190301a_j.html |title=超高速インターネット衛星「きずな」（WINDS）の運用終了について |trans-title=Regarding the end of operations for the ultra-high-speed Internet satellite KIZUNA (WINDS) |publisher=JAXA |date=1 March 2019 |access-date=30 April 2021 |language=ja}}</ref>

On 11 September 2010, JAXA launched QZS-1 (Michibiki-1), the first satellite of the [[Quasi Zenith Satellite System]] (QZSS), a subsystem of the global positioning system (GPS). Three more followed in 2017, and a replacement for QZS-1 is scheduled to launch in late 2021. A next-generation set of three satellites, able to operate independent of GPS, is scheduled to begin launching in 2023.

=== OICETS and INDEX ===
On 24 August 2005, JAXA launched the experimental satellites [[OICETS]] and [[Reimei|INDEX]] on a Ukrainian [[Dnepr (rocket)|Dnepr rocket]]. OICETS (Kirari) is a mission tasked with testing optical links with the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) [[ARTEMIS]] satellite, which is around 40,000&nbsp;km away from OICETS. The experiment was successful on 9 December, when the link could be established. In March 2006, JAXA could establish with OICETS the worldwide first optical links between a LEO satellite and a ground station first in Japan and in June 2006 with a mobile station in Germany.

INDEX (Reimei) is a small 70&nbsp;kg satellite for testing various equipment, and functions as an [[Aurora (astronomy)|aurora]] observation mission as well. The Reimei satellite is currently in its extended mission phase.

== Earth observation program ==
Japan's first Earth observation satellites were MOS-1a and MOS-1b launched in 1987 and 1990. During the 1990s, and the new millennium this NASDA program came under heavy fire, because both Adeos (Midori) and [[Adeos 2]] (Midori 2) satellites failed after just ten months in orbit.

'''Active Missions:''' [[GOSAT]], [[GCOM-W]], [[ALOS-2]], [[GCOM-C]], [[Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite-2|GOSAT-2]]<br />
'''Retired/Failed (R/F):''' [[ALOS]] (R), [[ALOS-3]] (F)

=== ALOS ===
[[File:MTSAT-1.jpg|right|thumb|MTSAT-1]]
In January 2006, JAXA successfully launched the [[Advanced Land Observation Satellite]] (ALOS/Daichi). Communication between ALOS and the ground station in Japan will be done through the Kodama Data Relay Satellite, which was launched during 2002. This project is under intense pressure due to the shorter than expected lifetime of the ADEOS II (Midori) Earth Observation Mission. For missions following Daichi, JAXA opted to separate it into a radar satellite ([[ALOS-2]]) and an optical satellite, ([[ALOS-3]]). ALOS 2 SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite was launched in May 2014. The ALOS-3 satellite was aboard a [[H3 (rocket)|H3 rocket]] in March 2023, but the satellite was lost in a launch failure when the second stage failed to ignite. [[ALOS-4]], 2's SAR successor, was launched successfully in July 2024. A true successor to ALOS-3 is planned to launch around 2027.

=== Rainfall observation ===
Since Japan is an island nation and gets struck by typhoons every year, research about the dynamics of the atmosphere is a very important issue. For this reason Japan launched in 1997 the [[TRMM]] (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) satellite in cooperation with NASA, to observe the tropical rainfall seasons. For further research NASDA had launched the ADEOS and ADEOS II missions in 1996 and 2003. However, due to various reasons,{{specify|reason=what would those reasons be?|date=November 2017}} both satellites had a much shorter than expected life term.

On 28 February 2014, a H-2A rocket launched the [[GPM Core Observatory]], a satellite jointly developed by JAXA and NASA. The GPM mission is the successor to the TRMM mission, which by the time of the GPM launch had been noted as highly successful. JAXA provided the [[Global Precipitation Measurement]]/Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM/DPR) Instrument for this mission. Global Precipitation Measurement itself is a satellite constellation, whilst the GPM Core Observatory provides a new calibration standard for other satellites in the constellation. Other countries/agencies like France, India, ESA, etc. provides the sub-satellites. The aim of GPM is to measure global rainfall with unprecedented detail.

=== Monitoring of carbon dioxide ===
At the end of the 2008 fiscal year, JAXA launched the satellite [[GOSAT]] (Greenhouse Gas Observing SATellite) to help scientists determine and monitor the density distribution of [[carbon dioxide]] in the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]]. The satellite is being jointly developed by JAXA and Japan's [[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Ministry of the Environment]]. JAXA is building the satellite while the Ministry is in charge of the data that will be collected. Since the number of ground-based carbon dioxide observatories cannot monitor enough of the world's atmosphere and are distributed unevenly throughout the globe, the GOSAT may be able to gather more accurate data and fill in the gaps on the globe where there are no observatories on the ground. Sensors for [[methane]] and other [[greenhouse gas]]ses are also being considered for the satellite, although the plans are not yet finalized. The satellite weighs approximately 1650&nbsp;kg and is expected to have a life span of five years.

The successor satellite [[Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite-2|GOSAT 2]] was launched in October 2018.

=== GCOM series ===
The next funded Earth-observation mission after GOSAT is the GCOM ([[Global Change Observation Mission]]) Earth-observation program as a successor to ADEOS II (Midori) and the [[Aqua (satellite)|Aqua]] mission. To reduce the risk and for a longer observation time the mission will be split into smaller satellites. Altogether GCOM will be a series of six satellites. The first satellite, [[GCOM-W]] (Shizuku), was launched on 17 May 2012 with the H-IIA. The second satellite, [[GCOM-C]] (Shikisai), was launched in 2017.

== Satellites for other agencies ==
For weather observation Japan launched in February 2005 the Multi-Functional Transport Satellite 1R ([[MTSAT|MTSAT-1R]]). The success of this launch was critical for Japan, since the original MTSAT-1 could not be put into orbit because of a launch failure with the H-2 rocket in 1999. Since then Japan relied for weather forecasting on an old satellite which was already beyond its useful life term and on American systems.

On 18 February 2006, JAXA, as head of the H-IIA at this time, successfully launched the MTSAT-2 aboard a H-2A rocket. MTSAT-2 is the backup to the MTSAT-1R. The MTSAT-2 uses the [[DS2000]] satellite bus developed by Mitsubishi Electric.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/society/space/products/platform_b.html |title=製品のご紹介製品・衛星プラットフォーム／DS2000 |language=ja |publisher=Mitsubishi Electric |access-date=3 August 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822142407/http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/society/space/products/platform_b.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 22 August 2008}}</ref> The DS2000 is also used for the DRTS Kodama, ETS-VIII and the Superbird 7 communication satellite, making it the first commercial success for Japan.

As a secondary mission both the MTSAT-1R and MTSAT-2 help to direct air traffic.

== Other JAXA satellites currently in use ==
* [[GEOTAIL]] magnetosphere observation satellite (since 1992)

Ongoing joint missions with NASA are the [[Aqua (satellite)|Aqua]] Earth Observation Satellite, and the [[Global Precipitation Measurement]] (GPM) Core satellite. JAXA also provided the [[Light Particle Telescope]] (LPT) for the 2008 [[Jason 2]] satellite by the French [[CNES]].

On 11 May 2018, JAXA deployed the first satellite developed in [[Kenya]] from the [[Japanese Experiment Module]] of the International Space Station.<ref>{{cite web |last=Winick |first=Erin |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/611127/kenyas-first-satellite-is-now-in-earth-orbit/ |title=Kenya's first satellite is now in Earth orbit |work=[[MIT Technology Review]] |date=11 May 2018 |access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref> The satellite, [[1KUNS-PF]], was created by the [[University of Nairobi]].

== Completed missions ==
{{See also|List of JAXA launches}}

=== Decommissioned missions ===
* [[Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission]] (TRMM) joint NASA-JAXA weather satellite, 1997–2015 (decommissioned)
* [[Akebono (satellite)|Akebono]] Magnetosphere observation satellite, 1989–2015 (decommissioned)
* [[Suzaku (satellite)|Suzaku]] X-ray astronomy satellite, 2005–2015 (decommissioned)
* [[ALOS]] Earth observation satellite, 2006–2011 (decommissioned)
* [[Akari (satellite)|Akari]], [[Infrared astronomy]] satellite, 2006–2011 (decommissioned)
* [[Hayabusa]] Asteroid sample return mission, 2003–2010 (decommissioned)
* [[OICETS]], Technology demonstration, 2005–2009 (decommissioned)
* [[SELENE]], Lunar orbiter, 2007–2009 (decommissioned)
* [[Micro Lab Sat 1]], Small engineering mission, 2002 (decommissioned)
* [[HALCA]], [[Space VLBI]] 1997–2005 (decommissioned)
* [[MDS-1]], Technology Demonstration 2002–2003 (decommissioned)
* DRTS (Kodama) relay satellite, 2002-2017 (decommissioned)

=== Failed missions ===

* [[ASTRO-H]] X-ray astronomy satellite, 2016
* [[Nozomi (probe)|Nozomi]], [[Mars]] Mission 1998–2003
* [[ADEOS 2]] (Midori 2) Earth Observation 2002–2003

== Future missions ==
{{See also|List of H-II series and H3 launches#Planned launches|Epsilon (rocket)#Planned launches}}
[[File:Mmxspacecraft 0.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Artist's concept of Japan's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft, planned for launch in 2024]]

=== Launch schedule ===

==== FY 2025 ====
* [[ETS-IX]]<ref name="cao-fy05" />
* [[HTV-X1]]<ref name="cao-fy05">{{cite web |url=https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/plan/plan2/kaitei_fy05/kaitei_fy0512.pdf |title=宇宙基本計画⼯程表 (令和５年度改訂) |trans-title=Basic Plan on Space Policy (2023 Revision) |page=45 |publisher=[[Cabinet Office (Japan)|Cabinet Office]] |date=22 December 2023 |access-date=26 December 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225105156/https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/plan/plan2/kaitei_fy05/kaitei_fy0512.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program|Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration]]-4<ref name="cao-fy05" />
* [[Quasi-Zenith Satellite System|QZS]]-6
* [[Quasi-Zenith Satellite System|QZS]]-7

==== FY 2026 ====
* [[HTV-X|HTV-X2]]<ref name="cao-fy05" />
* [[HTV-X|HTV-X3]]<ref name="cao-fy05" />
* [[Martian Moons eXploration|MMX]]: Remote sensing of [[Deimos (moon)|Deimos]], sample return from [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]]

==== FY 2027 ====
* [[Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program|Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration]]-5<ref name="cao-fy05" />

==== FY 2028 ====
* [[DESTINY+|DESTINY<sup>+</sup>]]: Small-scale technology demonstrator which will also conduct scientific observations of asteroid [[3200 Phaethon]]
* [[JASMINE (satellite)|JASMINE]]: an astrometric telescope similar to the ''[[Gaia (spacecraft)|Gaia]]'' mission but operating in the infrared (2.2&nbsp;μm) and specifically targeting the Galactic plane and center, where ''Gaia''{{'}}s results are impaired by dust absorption.
* [[Lunar Polar Exploration Mission|LUPEX]]: joint lunar lander and rover with [[ISRO]]
* [[SOLAR-C]] EUVST<ref name="cao-fy05" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=NASA Approves Heliophysics Missions to Explore Sun, Earth's Aurora {{!}} Next-generation solar-observing satellite Solar-C_EUVST|url=https://solar-c.nao.ac.jp/en/news/news20201230.html|access-date=2020-12-31|website=solar-c.nao.ac.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Katherine|date=2020-12-29|title=NASA Approves Heliophysics Missions to Explore Sun, Aurora|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-approves-heliophysics-missions-to-explore-sun-earth-s-aurora|access-date=2020-12-31|website=NASA}}</ref>

==== FY 2029 ====
* [[Comet Interceptor]] (ESA led mission, Japan provides one of the secondary spacecraft)
* [[Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program|Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration]]-6<ref name="cao-fy05" />

==== FY 2031 ====
* [[Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program|Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration]]-7<ref name="cao-fy05" />

==== FY 2032 ====
* [[LiteBIRD]]: a mission to study [[Cosmic microwave background#Polarization|CMB B-mode polarization]] and [[Inflation (cosmology)|cosmic inflation]] based at the [[Lagrangian point#Sun–Earth|Sun–Earth]] {{L2}} Lagrangian point<ref name="dsbt-20230703">{{cite web |url=https://www.d-sbt.fr/en/Pages/News/2023_Thomas-Prouve.aspx |title=The origin of the Universe will be unveiled by the LiteBIRD cryogenic satellite |work=[[Grenoble Alpes University]] |date=3 July 2023 |access-date=26 December 2023}}</ref>

==== Other missions ====
For the 2023 [[EarthCARE]] mission with [[ESA]], JAXA will provide the radar system on the satellite. JAXA will provide the Auroral Electron Sensor (AES) for the Taiwanese FORMOSAT-5.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pssc.ncku.edu.tw/FISFES/Presentation/FISFES_2008-11(Hirahara).pdf|title=Plasma/particle instruments and Japan-Taiwan collaboration for the Geospace magnetosphere/ionosphere|last=Hirahara|first=Masafumi|date=2012-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712002638/http://www.pssc.ncku.edu.tw/FISFES/Presentation/FISFES_2008-11(Hirahara).pdf|archive-date=2012-07-12|url-status=dead|access-date=2018-04-30}}</ref>

* [[XEUS]]: joint X-Ray telescope with ESA, originally planned for launch after 2015. Cancelled and replaced by [[Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics|ATHENA]].

=== Proposals ===
* Human Lunar Systems, conceptual system study on the future human lunar outpost
* [[OKEANOS]], a mission to [[Jupiter]] and [[Jupiter trojans|Trojan asteroids]] utilizing "hybrid propulsion" of [[solar sail]] and [[ion engine]]s
* [[SPICA telescope|SPICA]], a 2.5 meter infrared telescope to be placed at [[Lagrangian point|L2]]
* [[Focusing Relativistic Universe and Cosmic Evolution|FORCE]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://repository.exst.jaxa.jp/dspace/bitstream/a-is/560377/1/SA6000046259.pdf |title=軟Ｘ線から硬Ｘ線の広帯域を高感度で撮像分光する小型衛星計画 |publisher=JAXA |date=1 January 2016 |access-date=2016-04-04 |language=ja}}</ref> small-scale hard x-ray observation with high sensitivity
* [[Diffuse Intergalactic Oxygen Surveyor|DIOS]], small-scale x-ray observation mission to survey [[warm–hot intergalactic medium]]
* APPROACH, small-scale lunar penetrator mission
* HiZ-GUNDAM, small-scale [[gamma ray burst]] observation mission
* [[DECIGO|B-DECIGO]], [[Gravitational-wave observatory|gravity wave observation]] test mission
* [[Hayabusa Mk2/Marco Polo]]
* [[Space Solar Power System]] (SSPS), [[space-based solar power]] prototype launch in 2020, aiming for a full-power system in 2030<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.physorg.com/news176879161.html|title=Japan eyes solar station in space as new energy source|date=8 November 2009|publisher=Physorg.com|access-date=24 March 2010}}</ref>

== Human spaceflight program ==
{{Further|JAXA Astronaut Corps|Kibō (ISS module)}}
[[File:Sts-47-patch.png|thumb|right|The ''Spacelab-J'' shuttle flight, funded by Japan, included several tons of Japanese science research equipment.]]
Japan has ten astronauts but has not yet developed its own crewed spacecraft and is not currently developing one officially. A potentially crewed [[spaceplane]] [[HOPE-X]] project launched by the conventional space launcher [[H-II]] was developed for several years (including test flights of [[HYFLEX]]/[[OREX]] prototypes) but was postponed. The simpler crewed capsule [[Fuji (Spacecraft)|Fuji]] was proposed but not adopted. Projects for [[single-stage-to-orbit]], horizontal takeoff [[reusable launch vehicle]] and landing ASSTS{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} and the [[VTOL|vertical takeoff and landing]] [[Kankoh-maru]] also exist but have not been adopted.

The first Japanese citizen to fly in space was [[Toyohiro Akiyama]], a journalist sponsored by [[Tokyo Broadcasting System|TBS]], who flew on the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Soyuz TM-11]] in December 1990. He spent more than seven days in space on the [[Mir]] space station, in what the Soviets called their first commercial spaceflight which allowed them to earn $14 million.

Japan participates in US and international crewed space programs including flights of Japanese astronauts on Russian [[Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz]] spacecraft to the [[International Space Station|ISS]]. One Space Shuttle mission ([[STS-47]]) in September 1992 was partially funded by Japan. This flight included JAXA's first astronaut in space, [[Mamoru Mohri]], as the Payload Specialist for the Spacelab-J, one of the European built [[Spacelab]] modules. This mission was also designated ''Japan''.

[[File:Kibo completed view1.jpg|thumb|A view of the completed ''[[Kibō (ISS module)|Kibō]]'' module of the ISS]]
Three other NASA Space Shuttle missions ([[STS-123]], [[STS-124]], [[STS-127]]) in 2008–2009 delivered parts of the Japanese built spacelab-module ''[[Kibō (ISS module)|Kibō]]'' to ISS.

Japanese plans for a crewed lunar landing were in development but were shelved in early 2010 due to budget constraints.<ref>McPherson, S. (23 March 2010). Japan Decides Manned Mission to Moon Too Expensive, Nikkei Says. Retrieved from {{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3mPhCZElfw8 |title=- Bloomberg |website=[[Bloomberg News]] |access-date=2017-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916205622/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive |archive-date=16 September 2015 }}</ref>

In June 2014, Japan's science and technology ministry said it was considering a space mission to [[Mars]]. In a ministry paper it indicated uncrewed exploration, crewed missions to Mars and long-term settlement on the [[Moon]] were objectives, for which international cooperation and support was going to be sought.<ref name="JapanMars">{{cite news|title=Japanese hope to build on Mars|url=http://www.thetokyonews.net/index.php/sid/222518461/scat/c4f2dd8ca8c78044/ht/Japanese-hope-to-build-on-Mars|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140602122652/http://www.thetokyonews.net/index.php/sid/222518461/scat/c4f2dd8ca8c78044/ht/Japanese-hope-to-build-on-Mars|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2014|access-date=2 June 2014|publisher=The Tokyo News.Net}}</ref>

On 18 October 2017, JAXA discovered a "tunnel"-like [[lava tube]] under the surface of the Moon .<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171018_27/ |title=Kaguya data suggest large cavity inside moon – News – NHK WORLD – English |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191831/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171018_27/ |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=November 2020}}<!-- archived page looks blank --> The tunnel appears to be suitable as a location for a base of operations for peaceful crewed space missions, according to JAXA.

== Supersonic aircraft development ==
Besides the H-IIA/B and [[Epsilon rocket|Epsilon]] rockets, JAXA is also developing technology for a next-generation [[supersonic transport]] that could become the commercial replacement for the [[Concorde]]. The design goal of the project (working name [[Next Generation Supersonic Transport]]) is to develop a jet that can carry 300 passengers at [[Mach number|Mach]] 2. A subscale model of the jet underwent aerodynamic testing in September and October 2005 in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/supersonic-jet-test-hailed-a-success-20051010-gdm839.html|title=Supersonic jet test hailed a success|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date=10 October 2005|access-date=28 April 2023}}</ref>

In 2015, JAXA performed tests aimed at reducing the effects of supersonic flight under the D-SEND program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aero.jaxa.jp/spsite/d-send2/|title=D-SEND#2試験サイト &#124; JAXA航空技術部門|website=www.aero.jaxa.jp|accessdate=20 December 2022}}</ref> The economic success of such a project is still unclear, and as a consequence the project has been met with limited interest from Japanese aerospace companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries so far.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

== Reusable launch vehicles ==
Until 2003,{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} JAXA ([[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science|ISAS]]) conducted research on a reusable launch vehicle under the [[Reusable Vehicle Testing|Reusable Vehicle Testing (RVT)]] project.{{fact|date=January 2024}}

== Organization ==
{{Multiple image
|direction = vertical
|width = 180
|image1 = JAXA Head office.JPG
|caption1 = JAXA Headquarters (Chofu City, Tokyo)
|image2 = Tsukuba Space Center Main Gate.jpg
|caption2 = Tsukuba Space Center Main Gate
|image3 = H-IIA F13 launching KAGUYA.jpg
|caption3 = [[Tanegashima Space Center]] ([[Kagoshima Prefecture]])
}}

JAXA is composed of the following organizations:
* Space Technology Directorate I
* Space Technology Directorate II
* Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate
* Research and Development Directorate
* Aeronautical Technology Directorate
* Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
* Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center (TansaX)

JAXA has research centers in many locations in Japan, and some offices overseas. Its headquarters are in [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]], [[Tokyo]]. It also has
* [[Earth Observation Research Center]] (EORC), Tokyo
* [[Earth Observation Center (Japan)|Earth Observation Center]] (EOC) in [[Hatoyama, Saitama|Hatoyama]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
* [[Noshiro Testing Center]] (NTC) in [[Noshiro, Akita|Noshiro]], [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]] – Established in 1962. It carries out development and testing of rocket engines.
* [[Sanriku Balloon Center]] (SBC) – Balloons have been launched from this site since 1971.
* [[Kakuda Space Center]] (KSPC) in [[Kakuda, Miyagi|Kakuda]], [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]] – Leads the development of rocket engines. Works mainly with development of liquid-fuel engines.
* [[Sagamihara Campus]] (ISAS) in [[Sagamihara]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]] – Development of experimental equipment for rockets and satellites. Also administrative buildings.
* [[Tanegashima Space Center]] in [[Tanegashima]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]] – currently the launch site for the [[H-IIA]] and [[H3 (rocket)|H3]] rockets.
* [[Tsukuba Space Center]] (TKSC) in [[Tsukuba]], [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]. This is the center of Japan's space network. It is involved in research and development of satellites and rockets, and tracking and controlling of satellites. It develops experimental equipment for the Japanese Experiment Module ("Kibo"). Training of astronauts also takes place here. For [[International Space Station]] operations, the Japanese Flight Control Team is located at the Space Station Integration & Promotion Center (SSIPC) in Tsukuba. SSIPC communicates regularly with ISS crewmembers via S-band audio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/reports/iss_reports/2009/04232009.html|title=ISS On-Orbit Status 04/23/09|date=24 April 2009|access-date=28 April 2023|publisher=NASA|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429021031/https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/reports/iss_reports/2009/04232009.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Uchinoura Space Center]] in [[Kimotsuki, Kagoshima|Kimotsuki]], [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]] – currently the launch site for the [[Epsilon (rocket)|Epsilon rocket]].

===Communication ground stations for interplanetary spacecraft===
* [[Usuda Deep Space Center]] (UDSC) is a spacecraft tracking station in [[Saku, Nagano]] (originally in [[Usuda, Nagano]]; Usuda merged into Saku in 2005), the first deep-space antenna constructed with beam-waveguide technology, and for many years, Japan's only ground station for communication with interplanetary spacecraft in deep space. Opening in 1984, the 64 meter antenna, built by [[Mitsubishi Electric]], primarily operated in the X- and S-band frequencies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/udsc/index.html | title=JAXA &#124; Usuda Deep Space Center }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/space/ground/control/antenna/index.html | title=Space Systems: 64m Parabolic Antenna for Usuda Deep Space Center – MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC }}</ref> Upon completion in 2021, MDSS succeeded UDSC as the primary antenna for JAXA's Deep Space Network.
* [[Misasa Deep Space Station]] (MDSS), also in [[Saku, Nagano]] (and just over one kilometer northwest from UDSC), also known as GREAT (Ground Station for Deep Space Exploration and Telecommunication) was completed in 2021 at a cost of over ten billion Yen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210410/k10012967611000.html |title=NHK |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719173741/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210410/k10012967611000.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is equipped with a 54 meter dish, also built by [[Mitsubishi Electric]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/society/space/control/great.html | title=三菱電機 &#124; 美笹深宇宙探査用地上局（Great） }}</ref> communicating with spacecraft in the X- and Ka-band frequencies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sas/great/|title=JAXA &#124; GREAT, Ground Station for Deep Space Exploration and Telecommunication }}</ref> Phase 2 (GREAT2) to improve performance and reliability, in support of future projects, over the previous phase is now in progress.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://global.jaxa.jp/activity/pr/jaxas/no085/07.html | title=JAXA &#124; Launch of the Misasa Deep Space Station's GREAT2 Project }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/great/english/indexen.html | title=Misasa Deep Space Station }}</ref>

* Other tracking stations in Okinawa, Masuda, and Katsuura are for satellite tracking and control.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://track.sfo.jaxa.jp/en/project/index.html#project-3 | title=JAXA｜Space Tracking and Communications Center Home Page }}</ref>

Collaborating with other space agencies:

Previously, JAXA has worked closely with other space agencies in support of their respective deep space projects. Notably, in 2015 NASA's [[NASA Deep Space Network|Deep Space Network]] provided communication and tracking services to the [[Akatsuki (spacecraft)|Akatsuki]] Venus probe through its 34 meter antennas.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-scientists-applaud-japanese-spacecraft-akatsuki-s-successful-rendezvous-with-venus | title=NASA Applauds Akatsuki's Successful Rendezvous with Venus | date=9 December 2015 | access-date=2 December 2022 | archive-date=12 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212202722/http://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-scientists-applaud-japanese-spacecraft-akatsuki-s-successful-rendezvous-with-venus/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In October 2021, JAXA provided NASA with data it had received at Misasa from [[Juno (spacecraft)|Juno]] during its flyby of [[Jupiter]]'s moon [[Europa (moon)|Europa]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/great/english/new1022en.html#20220309 | title=Event -MDSS- }}</ref>

As part of on-going joint support of deep space missions JAXA, ESA, and NASA are engaged in an effort to improve the X/Ka celestial reference frame as well as a unified X/Ka terrestrial frame to be shared by the three agencies. 
The 54 meter dish at MDSS enhances X/Ka sensitivity from having an aperture area two and a half times larger than the equivalent antennas in the NASA and ESA network.
MDSS improves the network geometry with the first direct north-south baseline (Japan-Australia) in the X/Ka VLBI network, thereby providing four new baselines which will provide optimal geometry for improving declinations.<ref>[https://syrte.obspm.fr/astro/journees2019/journees_pdf/SessionIII_1/JACOBS_Christopher.pdf X/Ka (8.4/32 GHz) Celestial Frame: Roadmap to the future]</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Japan|Space|Rocketry|Spaceflight}}
* [[Independent Administrative Institution]]
* [[Kibō (ISS module)|''Kibō'' (ISS module)]]
* [[Japan Space Systems]], another Japanese space agency
* [[List of aerospace flight test centres]]
* [[List of government space agencies]]
* [[Space Brothers (manga)|''Space Brothers'' manga]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://global.jaxa.jp/ JAXA]
* {{twitter.com|JAXA_en}}
* {{YouTube|c=jaxachannel|JAXA}}
** {{youTube|o-OvEmMKneQ|Beyond the Sky and into Space JAXA 2015–2016}} by JAXA
** {{youTube|jgs8G_EScz4|JAXA 2025 (JAXA Long-term Vision)}} by JAXA
* [http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/ International Space Station (ISS) and "Kibo" Information center]
* [http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/iss_human/research/index_e.html JAXA – Space Environment Utilization and Space Experiment]
* [http://www.jaxa.jp/about/vision_missions/long_term/jaxa_vision_e.pdf "JAXA 2025" Presentation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928061845/http://www.jaxa.jp/about/vision_missions/long_term/jaxa_vision_e.pdf |date=28 September 2006 }}
* [https://www.rand.org/publications/TR/TR184/ Report on Japan's Space Program, 2005] by [[RAND Corporation]]
* [http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/taskforcereport.pdf Report on US-Japan Space Policy Cooperation, 2003] by the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] (CSIS)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051026004716/http://www.jaxa.jp/missions/projects/sat/eos/gosat/index_e.html Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT)]
* [https://www.nbr.org/publication/japans-evolving-space-program/ Japan's Evolving Space Program] by the [[National Bureau of Asian Research]]

Archived sites of the JAXA predecessor agencies:

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031205012039/http://www.nasda.go.jp/index_e.html NASDA]
* [http://www.isas.ac.jp/e/index.shtml ISAS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501121653/http://www.isas.ac.jp/e/index.shtml |date=1 May 2008 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031004164809/http://www.nal.go.jp/Welcome-e.html NAL]

{{JAXA Facilities}}

{{Japanese space program}}

{{Moon colonization}}

{{Public sector space agencies}}

{{Independent Administrative Institutions of Japan}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:JAXA| ]]
[[Category:Space program of Japan|*]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2003]]
[[Category:Independent Administrative Institutions of Japan]]
[[Category:Space agencies]]