US President Joe Biden has once again affirmed plans to send the first Japanese astronaut to the Moon as part of the Artemis lunar exploration program led by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
According to CNA, Mr. Biden announced the above information when receiving Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to the US.
US President Joe Biden receives Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo: KYODO
Under an agreement signed between Japan's Ministry of Science and Technology and NASA, the US will allocate two lunar exploration slots to Japan in future Artemis missions. NASA expects a crewed flight by Japan to be launched as early as 2028. Kishida called it a "huge achievement" and announced that Japan would provide a rover for NASA's Artemis program.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated: "This is the next chapter in the space cooperation between our two countries. America will no longer walk alone on the Moon. We are very proud to accompany Japan."
The Artemis program aims to send American astronauts back to the moon in September 2026 — the first time in more than 50 years. Historically, all 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon have been white American men. But the mission will include women and non-white astronauts.
In January 2024, Japan became the fifth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon.
Also during the meeting, in addition to the space cooperation program, according to Kyodo, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden agreed to strengthen the security alliance. This is the first visit by a Japanese prime minister to the US in 9 years. The two leaders also confirmed that they will work together to promote relations between the forces and strengthen the supply chain for important products such as semiconductors.
KHANH MINH
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