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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

JP

宇宙航空研究開発機構

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national space agency responsible for research, technology development, and launching satellites into orbit. JAXA engages in missions for space science, lunar and planetary exploration, and human spaceflight, including the development of the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) on the International Space Station. The agency collaborates with international partners like NASA and ESA on projects such as the Artemis Program and Earth observation dashboards. JAXA's activities also include aeronautical research and development of space transportation systems.

gov civilFounded 2003
History · 1 eventOct 1, 2003 · NASDA, NAL, and ISAS merge to form JAXA
Chofu, Tokyo, Japan
www.jaxa.jp
Admin Edit

Organization history

Identity changes, mergers, acquisitions, splits, and transferred business lines.

1 event

  1. Oct 1, 2003Merger

    NASDA, NAL, and ISAS merge to form JAXA

    Source
    Predecessor
    Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
    Predecessor
    National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL)
    Predecessor
    National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA)
    Created organization
    Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

    Scope: Agency identity/functions

    ISAS's functions and identity transferred into JAXA, retained internally as ISAS.

    Scope: Agency identity/functions

    NAL's functions and identity transferred into JAXA.

    Scope: Agency identity/functions

    NASDA's functions and identity transferred into JAXA.

    Event context

    On 1 October 2003, Japan's three aerospace bodies — the Ministry of Education's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the Independent Administrative Institution National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the special public corporation National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) — merged to form the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), per the JAXA Establishment Law. ISAS continues today as an internal JAXA research institute retaining its name.

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