Japan’s Mars Phobos Mission Enters Critical Design Phase

By Chen Chuanren Jul 06, 2021
Japan is on track to launch the probe in fiscal 2024 and collect samples from Martian moon Phobos, returning to Earth by 2029.
Space

Crew-1 Astronauts Splash Down Safely, a Milestone

By Mark Carreau May 02, 2021
Four NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts made a weather-delayed return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on May 2.
Defense and Space

SpaceX Falcon Rocket Lifts Off With Next ISS Crew

By Irene Klotz Apr 23, 2021
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center an hour before dawn on April 23, sending a Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts on a one-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS.) 
Space

Hayabusa 2 Sample Container Lands Intact

By Mark Carreau Dec 06, 2020
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully recovered the small Hayabusa 2 asteroid sample return capsule in the remote Woomera region of Australia.
Space

SpaceX Falcon 9 Lifts Off On First ISS Crew Ferry Flight

By Irene Klotz Nov 16, 2020
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 15, sending a Crew Dragon spacecraft with four astronauts on its way to the International Space Station, the first U.S. government-certified flight of a commercially developed crewed orbital transportation system.
Space

JAXA Studies Small Reusable Orbiter

By Bradley Perrett Oct 16, 2020
Japanese space researchers are studying concepts for a reusable orbiter with a mass of up to 5 metric tons for deployment by the Epsilon light space launcher.
Space

Flexible Sample Collection Device Headed for Moon, Mars

By Mark Carreau Oct 13, 2020
NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have selected a new technology for planetary sample collection and return for future missions to the Moon and Martian moon Phobos.
Space

Final First-Generation Japanese Resupply Vessel Departs ISS

By Mark Carreau Aug 18, 2020
The ninth and final Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-II Transfer cargo vehicle departed the International Space Station Aug. 18.
Space

JAXA Gears Up For Space Exploration, EO Missions

By Jen DiMascio Jan 24, 2020
Japan is boosting its space exploration budget.
Defense and Space