Agencies/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was formed on October 1, 2003, through the merger of three organizations: the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS, est. 1964), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, est. 1969). This consolidation created a comprehensive space agency combining space science, satellite development, and aeronautical research. Headquartered in Tokyo with major facilities in Tsukuba, Sagamihara, and launch sites in Kagoshima, JAXA operates on a budget of approximately $1.5 billion (155.8 billion yen for FY2024) with roughly 2,000 employees from nearly 50 nations. Despite having less than one-tenth of NASA's budget, JAXA has achieved remarkable success in asteroid sample return, lunar exploration, and International Space Station operations. JAXA is globally recognized for pioneering achievements including the Hayabusa2 mission's successful return of pristine asteroid samples from Ryugu (2020), the world's first pinpoint lunar landing with SLIM achieving 55-meter accuracy (2024), and operating Kibō, the largest experiment module on the International Space Station since 2008. The agency continues advancing Japan's space capabilities through collaboration with international partners on missions to Mercury (BepiColombo with ESA), the Artemis lunar program, and development of the H3 next-generation launch vehicle.

GOVERNMENTJapanFounded 2003Website

Core Capabilities

Asteroid sample return missions (Hayabusa series)Precision lunar landing technologyLaunch vehicle development (H-IIA, H3)International Space Station operations (Kibō module)Earth observation and climate monitoringPlanetary exploration missionsAdvanced robotics and autonomous systemsSatellite navigation (QZSS/Michibiki)
Active Missions

0

Vehicles

0

Completed Missions

2

History & Development

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is a significant organization in the space industry. Detailed historical information will be added soon.

This page is under development. Please check back for comprehensive history, mission details, and achievements.

Recent Highlights

  • SLIM achieved world's first pinpoint lunar landing (January 19, 2024) - Touched down 55 meters from target, making Japan the 5th country to soft-land on Moon, demonstrating unprecedented precision landing technology
  • Hayabusa2 returned asteroid Ryugu samples (December 2020) - Successfully brought back 5.4 grams of pristine material from both surface and subsurface, providing invaluable early solar system insights
  • H-IIA rocket retired with 48/49 success rate (June 2025) - Final Flight No. 50 launched June 28, 2025, after remarkable service record spanning decades
  • Michibiki 6 satellite launched on H3 (February 2025) - Expanding Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System for precision positioning across Asia-Pacific region
  • BepiColombo en route to Mercury (joint with ESA) - Currently performing Venus and Mercury flybys, scheduled to arrive Mercury orbit 2026 for comprehensive study of innermost planet
  • Kibō module operational on ISS (2008-present) - Largest ISS experiment module enabling microgravity research, with JAXA astronauts regularly conducting experiments
  • Future Artemis participation - JAXA will supply pressurized rover for lunar surface exploration and JAXA astronauts will join NASA Moon landings under international agreement
  • Innovative aerodynamics research (January 2025) - Collaborating with Japan Airlines to test riblet-shaped coating reducing aircraft drag by 0.24%

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