The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have solidified their partnership with a new agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration on various space missions. Signed by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and JAXA President Yamakawa Hiroshi in Tsukuba, Japan, this agreement focuses on several key initiatives, including the Ramses mission to the asteroid Apophis, which will approach Earth in 2029.
Under the terms of the agreement, both agencies will explore opportunities to share thermal infrared imaging and solar array technology, as well as potential launch options. The collaboration also extends to the Lunar Gateway program, which aims to establish a crewed space station orbiting the Moon. This includes contributions from ESA's Argonaut lunar cargo lander and JAXA's pressurized lunar rover.
Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for joint lunar exploration efforts, including the development of a lunar communications and navigation service through ESA's Moonlight initiative. The agencies are also in discussions regarding a collaborative Mars mission, focusing on small lander technologies developed by both organizations.
In the realm of space science, ESA's New Athena X-ray telescope for high-energy astrophysics is scheduled for launch in 2037, with future collaborative projects being considered for the study of Mars and the moons of giant planets.
Aschbacher's visit to Japan also included a letter of intent with CrossU, a Japanese space innovation company, and participation in Nihonbashi space week, further emphasizing the growing international collaboration in the space sector.