Japan is positioning itself to join the United States in the Artemis program with plans to send two astronauts to the Moon after 2028. This potential collaboration was reported by Yomiuri, highlighting a growing partnership in deep space exploration that could unfold in the coming years.
The timing of the agreement appears likely to be discussed during Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s forthcoming visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet with President Joe Biden. The talks are anticipated to cover not only the lunar mission schedule but also broader security, science, and international cooperation aspects related to space exploration.
As the United States targets a Moon landing for its astronauts in 2026 under the Artemis framework, the plan envisions regular missions starting in 2028 that would include Japanese representatives alongside American crews. This shift signals a long term joint effort to advance lunar science, technology development, and international partnership in human spaceflight.
In related developments, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA has released the first image of the Intelligent Lunar Landing Vehicle known as the SLIM module on the Moon. The snapshot was captured by the small rover LEV-2, which accompanied the SLIM lander to the lunar surface. Despite the rover showing the SLIM craft tipped upside down upon touchdown, the mission demonstrated exceptional precision by placing the lander within 55 meters of its intended target area, underscoring progress in autonomous lunar landing capabilities.
Earlier this year, astronomers announced the discovery of three new moons in the solar system, an exciting reminder of the dynamic and evolving landscape of planetary science. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of moon formation, orbital dynamics, and the diversity of natural satellites that orbit planets beyond Earth, underscoring why international collaboration in space remains vital for expanding our celestial knowledge.