Exploring Space, Advancing Science and Inspiring Innovation
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national aerospace agency responsible for space exploration, satellite development, scientific research, Earth observation and aeronautics. JAXA is internationally recognised for its achievements in asteroid exploration, lunar science, planetary missions, satellite technology and human spaceflight.
JAXA collaborates extensively with international partners including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and other space agencies to advance scientific knowledge and promote the peaceful exploration of space.
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| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1 October 2003 |
| Headquarters | Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan |
| Agency Type | National Aerospace Agency |
| Primary Responsibilities | Space exploration, aeronautics, satellite development and scientific research |
| International Partners | NASA, ESA, CSA, ISRO and many other space agencies |
JAXA was formed in 2003 through the merger of three organisations:
The new agency unified Japan's scientific research, engineering expertise and launch capabilities into a single national organisation.
| Mission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hayabusa | First spacecraft to return samples from an asteroid. |
| Hayabusa2 | Returned samples from asteroid Ryugu. |
| SLIM | Precision lunar landing demonstration mission. |
| Akatsuki | Orbital exploration of Venus. |
| Kaguya (SELENE) | Lunar exploration mission. |
| XRISM | X-ray astronomy observatory. |
| Himawari Satellites | Weather and climate monitoring. |
| GOSAT | Greenhouse gas observation. |
| International Space Station | Kibo laboratory and astronaut programme. |
| Rocket | Purpose |
|---|---|
| H-IIA | Heavy-lift launch vehicle for satellites and spacecraft. |
| H-IIB | Cargo missions to the International Space Station. |
| H3 | Japan's next-generation launch vehicle. |
| Epsilon | Solid-fuel rocket for scientific satellites. |
JAXA operates the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Kibo is the largest laboratory module on the ISS and supports scientific experiments in biology, medicine, materials science, fluid physics and space technology.
JAXA continues to develop advanced launch vehicles, next-generation Earth observation satellites, lunar exploration technologies and deep-space missions. The agency is an important partner in NASA's Artemis Programme, the Lunar Gateway, asteroid exploration and future Mars missions.