JAXA / organization
sourcing5 factsinstitutionJapangovernment agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was born through the merger of three institutions, namely the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL) and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). It was designated as a core performance agency to support the Japanese government's overall aerospace development and utilization. JAXA, therefore, can conduct integrated operations from basic research and development, to utilization.
faq
What is JAXA?
JAXA focuses on Japan's national space and aeronautics research and development agency. (source, as of 2026-07-08)
Where is JAXA based?
JAXA is based in Japan. (source, as of 2026-07-08)
When was JAXA founded?
JAXA was founded in 2003. (source, as of 2026-07-08)
facts
countryJapan
founded2003
focusJapan's national space and aeronautics research and development agency
statusgovernment agency
websiteglobal.jaxa.jp
events
- notable2026-09-03BepiColombo separates from transfer module, begins Mercury arrival phase
- notable2026-08-20JAXA schedules MMX Mars-moon sample-return launch for October 20
- notable2026-08-11JAXA launches Michibiki 7 navigation satellite on H3 rocket's 9th flight
- notable2026-07-23JAXA completes Epsilon S second-stage engine test after switching to backup motor
- notable2026-07-11JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy fly RV-X reusable rocket testbed on first hop
- notable2026-07-05JAXA's Hayabusa2 makes closest-ever asteroid flyby, first laser ranging
- notable2026-06-12JAXA flies H3 in its boosterless 30 configuration with six satellites aboard
timeline
- 20242024-04-09JAXA and NASA sign agreement for Japan's pressurized lunar rover and Japanese Moon landings (source, as of 2026-07-12)
- 2024-02-17JAXA's H3 rocket succeeds on second flight (source, as of 2026-07-12)
- 20232023-03-07JAXA's H3 rocket fails on maiden flight (source, as of 2026-07-12)
- 20202020-10-14Japan signs the Artemis Accords (source, as of 2026-07-12)
- 20152015-04JAXA's legal status changed to National Research and Development Agency (source, as of 2026-07-12)