JAXA
ESA ends cooperation with Russia on lunar missions
ESA announced April 13 it was further cutting ties with Russia by dropping plans to cooperate on a series of lunar missions, turning instead to NASA and other agencies.
Japan’s H3 rocket further delayed by engine woes
After spending most of 2020 and all of 2021 struggling with the H3 rocket’s main engine, JAXA says H-2A’s successor will not be ready to launch by the end of March as previously hoped.
Other ISS partners start planning for extension to 2030
The White House’s decision to extend operations of the International Space Station through the end of the decade is a “trigger” for other partners to make their own plans to continue participation in the station.
Japan to recruit first new astronauts in 13 years to support Artemis program
Japan’s space agency is set to recruit astronaut candidates for the first time in 13 years as part of efforts to support the NASA-led Artemis lunar exploration program.
IHI Aerospace to offer Epsilon rocket commercially
Japanese company IHI Aerospace plans to market a version of the little-used Epsilon small launch vehicle to commercial customers, although at prices significantly higher than similar vehicles in development.
Op-ed | Japan’s Space Journey: From the Land of the Rising Sun to the Moon
To appreciate how Japan’s space ecosystem functions today, consider where it started.
Companies and government agencies announce plans for lunar rover projects
The Japanese and Canadian space agencies announced plans May 26 to send small rovers to the moon in the next several years, as Lockheed Martin unveiled a partnership with automaker General Motors to propose a rover for NASA’s Artemis program.
Japan budgets a record $4.14 billion for space activities
In response to the reignited global space race, Japan is planning a record space budget of 449.6 billion yen ($4.14 billion) in the fiscal year 2021, up 23.1 percent over the current fiscal year that ends March 30, according to draft budget documents.
JAXA ships new H3 rocket to Tanegashima Space Center for testing
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is transporting its new, flexible H3 rocket to Tanegashima Space center for testing ahead of a first launch.
NASA and Japan finalize Gateway agreement
NASA and the Japanese government have completed an agreement outlining Japan’s contributions to the lunar Gateway as NASA works to wrap up international contributions to the outpost.
Hayabusa2 delivers asteroid samples to Earth after six-year voyage
Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission has delivered samples taken from a primitive asteroid to Earth to provide insights into the origin of life on Earth and evolution of the solar system.
Japan launches JDRS-1 optical data relay satellite for military, civilian use
Japan has a new data relay satellite headed for geostationary orbit following successful launch of JDRS-1 on a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H-IIA rocket Sunday.
Japan’s new H3 launcher delayed by rocket engine component issues
The first launches of the new Japanese H3 launch vehicle are being delayed by issues with two components of the rocket’s main engine.
Germany joins JAXA’s low-cost deep space test mission
The German Aerospace Center, DLR, has partnered with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on a planned low-cost asteroid mission called Destiny+, expected to launch toward the asteroid 3200 Phaethon in 2024.
Japan, India set to resume launch activities in November
Japan and India are preparing for a resumption of launch activities in a year heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
First H3 launch slips to 2021
The Japanese space agency JAXA announced Sept. 11 that the first launch of the country’s new H3 rocket will be delayed to no earlier than the spring of 2021 because of problems with the rocket’s main engine.
NASA signs agreement with Japan on lunar exploration
NASA has signed an agreement with the Japanese government that brings the agencies closer to finalizing Japan’s roles in the Artemis program.
MHI pressing through pandemic toward late 2020 H3 rocket debut
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries still expects to conduct the maiden flight of Japan’s H3 rocket this year, notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.
