WASHINGTON: During a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden announced that a lucky Japanese astronaut will become the first non-American to set foot on the Moon as part of NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions.
This milestone offer to Japan reflects a significant step in international collaboration and strengthens ties between the United States and its key Asian ally.
As part of this agreement, two Japanese astronauts will participate in future American missions, with one selected to make history by landing on the Moon. In return, Japan will supply a rover for the Artemis program, enhancing the mission’s capabilities.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years and establish a sustained lunar presence, setting the stage for potential missions to Mars.
Previously, NASA announced plans for the first woman and first person of color to land on the Moon through the Artemis program, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration in space exploration.
Japan’s space agency JAXA expressed great enthusiasm about the announcement, highlighting their commitment to implementing the agreement and developing the lunar rover.
This collaborative effort underscores the long-standing partnership between Tokyo and Washington in space exploration, including joint operations at the International Space Station (ISS).
The pressurized rover provided by Japan will enable astronauts to travel farther and conduct longer missions on the lunar surface, with plans to accommodate two astronauts in a mobile habitat and laboratory for up to 30 days near the lunar South Pole.
While details about European involvement in Artemis missions are still under discussion, the Artemis program represents a significant step forward in international cooperation and exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.
