JAXA

JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is the Japanese government space agency responsible for space science, satellite development, launch vehicle programs, and human spaceflight. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Chofu, Tokyo, JAXA operates Japan's primary space infrastructure: the H-IIA and H3 launch vehicles from Tanegashima Space Center, the Kibo module on the ISS (Japan's primary contribution to the International Space Station), and a series of Earth observation, climate, and scientific satellites. JAXA conducts solar system exploration through landmark missions including Hayabusa2 — which returned samples from asteroid Ryugu in 2020 — and the SLIM precision lander which achieved the most accurate Moon landing in history in January 2024. Japan is an Artemis Accords signatory and a key international partner in NASA's Artemis Moon program.