The US reaffirmed its intention to send the first Japanese astronaut to the Moon

The above statement was made by President Biden at a press conference after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington. The joint statement after the talks between the two leaders emphasized that "the two countries are moving towards exploring our solar system and returning to the Moon". According to an agreement signed between the Japanese Ministry of Science and NASA, the US will allocate two flight slots to explore the lunar surface for Japan in future Artemis missions. NASA expects a flight with Japanese astronauts to be deployed as early as 2028.

NASA Director Bill Nelson stated: "This is the next chapter in the space cooperation relationship between the two countries. America will no longer walk alone on the Moon. We are very proud to accompany Japan." Copy".

For their part, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota Motor Corporation are developing a lunar rover for crewed operations. Astronauts can control this vehicle without wearing a spacesuit, which will significantly expand the range of movement on the lunar surface.

The Artemis program aims for US astronauts to return to the Moon in September 2026 - the first time in more than 50 years. Historically, all 12 astronauts who have ever set foot on the Moon have been white American men. But on the above flight, the crew will include both women and non-white astronauts.

Jessica Tanner

Update 11 April 2024