Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national aerospace research and development agency, formed from the merger of ISAS, NAL, and NASDA. It supports Japan's aerospace development from basic research through mission operations, including launch vehicles, satellites, planetary science, Earth observation, aeronautics, and human spaceflight. JAXA manages the Kibo laboratory and HTV/HTV-X station cargo work, conducts science and exploration missions such as Hayabusa and lunar projects, and contributes systems and research to international programmes including the International Space Station and Artemis-related Gateway work.