Japan is intensifying its efforts in space exploration, as articulated by Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya. With a focus on autonomous access to space, Japan is ramping up operations of its H3 launch vehicle, which aims to enhance its launch capabilities and competitiveness against global players like SpaceX. The 10th H3 launch is scheduled for October 20, carrying the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft, which will mark a significant milestone as the first mission to return samples from Phobos, a moon of Mars.
Yamakawa emphasized the importance of both satellite and rocket technologies in achieving Japan’s national space policy goals, which encompass space security, economic development, and exploration. He also highlighted the issue of space debris as a significant concern, stating that JAXA tracks potential debris collisions to ensure the operational functionality of satellites.
In a nod to international collaboration, he praised Türkiye’s advances in space exploration and indicated interest in enhancing cooperation between the two nations. Overall, Japan’s ambition in space aims to establish a sovereign and competitive stance in a rapidly evolving sector.
