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Japan to Send Astronauts to Moon in Historic NASA Partnership

Under a new agreement, Japanese astronauts will land on the moon, marking the first non-American moonwalkers as part of NASA's Artemis program.

NASA, Japan Advance Space Cooperation, Sign Agreement for Lunar Rover
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three men in suits and two astronauts wearing blue flight suits stand beside a model of a moon rover

Overview

  • Japan and the United States have signed a new agreement allowing Japanese astronauts to land on the moon, utilizing a pressurized lunar rover provided by Japan.
  • The rover, named 'Lunar Cruiser,' is expected to enhance lunar exploration and support astronauts for up to 30 days on the lunar surface.
  • The exact timing of the Japanese astronauts' moon landing is contingent on meeting specific benchmarks and the progress of the Artemis missions.
  • This partnership marks a significant step in international collaboration in space exploration, aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.
  • Other nations, including Canada and the UAE, are also participating in the Artemis program, with roles in lunar orbit missions.