The decision is made to strengthen diplomatic relations
Japan has informed it will take part in NASA’s Lunar Gateway project. The mission is planned to set up orbital research and establishing a ground station on the moon. Creating a gateway to the moon is on the high priority list as NASA has created moon specific program Artemis. The objective of the mission is to once again put an American on the moon by 2024.
Japan affirmed the participation after the conclusion of the meeting held on Friday in strategic headquarters for National Space Policy. The meeting was important as Japan’s premier Shinzo Abe was also attending it. The top policymakers put approval stamp on the suggestions put forward by the team which was set up to study the potential of Japan if it takes in the offer of NASA to join the space mission.
The participation will enable japan to showcase its technological expertise
The findings of the panel suggest that collaborating with NASA will help Japan to enhance its technological know-how and it will be good for diplomatic relations. Space is the place where everyone can come together for peaceful exploration that is beneficial for all mankind.
The exact minutes of the meeting were not revealed and information about at what capacity Japan is going to get involved itself was also missing. As the decision is fresh out of the gate the further details will be available later part of the mission. The news was applauded by the Japanese lunar exploration firm ispace as it is hoping to get in the mission in some form after the partnership with Draper which happened earlier this year.
Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace said, “We welcome this development with great optimism for the future of lunar exploration, as well as the relationship between Japan and the United States.”
