JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: The National Space Development Agency of Japan

JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: The National Space Development Agency of Japan

JAXA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, was established on October 1 , 1969, under the National Space Development Agency Law to act as the nucleus for the development of space and promote the peaceful use of space. The agency consists of 18 administrative divisions, two research institutes and three supporting organizations with its headquarters located in Chōfu, Tokyo. JAXA’s operations are based on four core tasks: space program development and satellite launches; information gathering and technical support; education and technology diffusion; and development of supporting infrastructure. 

JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency


What Is the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency?

JAXA is the government space agency of Japan, and was formed in 2003. Tanegashima Space Center is JAXA's main launch site, where satellites and launch vehicles are developed, tested, and operated. JAXA's mission is to explore and develop space technology for the benefit of humanity. Some of JAXA's notable achievements include launching Japan's first satellite, developing the H-II rocket, and conducting Japan's first manned space mission.


What Does JAXA Do?

JAXA is responsible for the development and operation of the Japanese space program. This includes both manned and unmanned spaceflight, as well as research into aerospace technology. JAXA also manages the Tanegashima Space Center, where satellites and launch vehicles are developed, tested, and operated. In addition to its spaceflight programs, JAXA conducts research in a variety of other fields, including aeronautics, Earth observation, astronomy, and meteorology.

JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency


Where Can I Find More Information About Their Missions?

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency website has a lot of information about their missions and goals. You can also find information about JAXA on their Facebook page and Twitter account. If you want to learn more about the Tanegashima Space Center, you can visit their website or take a tour of the facility. The Tanegashima Space Center is open to visitors on certain days throughout the year. 

JAXA Official Website: [Click Here]


Who Can Join JAXA?

Have you ever dreamed of working for NASA or the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)? If so, you may be interested in learning about JAXA, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency.  


JAXA generally recruits astronauts who have degrees as scientists, engineers and/or medical doctors. In addition to being Japanese citizens or residents, candidates must meet certain physical standards (including height, weight, hearing and visual acuity), educational requirements, and be fluent in English.


The JAXA Astronaut Corps is a unit of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that selects, trains, and provides astronauts as crew members for U.S. and Russian space missions. The corps has seven active members, able to serve on the International Space Station (ISS).

JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency


What Are Some Interesting Facts About JAXA?

-- Japan’s space program was begun in the 1950s by universities and government laboratories. The country launched its first satellite in 1970, making it the fourth nation to do so after the Soviet Union, the United States and France.

-- Japan had launched 120 satellites by 2006, ranking fourth globally but lagging far behind top-ranked Russia with about 3,200 launches, including those by the former Soviet Union, and the United States with around 1,800.

-- The program is run by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), created in October 2003 when three organizations merged. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries works closely with JAXA in manufacturing satellite launch rockets. JAXA has an annual budget of 183 billion yen ($1.6 billion).


$1=113.59 Yen

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