Japan has decided to take part in a United States-led program to send astronauts to the moon by 2024, the space policy committee in the Cabinet Office said Thursday.

For the Artemis lunar exploration program, Japan will provide technical assistance to the U.S. side in the construction of an orbital base for the astronauts.

As to whether Japan will take part in the construction of the Gateway facility, which will comprise living areas, labs and docking ports for exploratory missions to the Moon and Mars, the space committee said it was undecided owing to the hefty costs involved.

"We will express our intention at an early stage so we can strengthen our relationship of trust with the United States and by this, we expect Japanese astronauts will be able to take part in travel to the Moon," Yoshiyuki Kasai, chairman of Japan's space policy committee told a press briefing on the matter.

Along with the United States, Canada has already announced its participation and Europe is also likely to join.

The Apollo 17 mission in 1972 was the last time astronauts walked on the moon.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)