During a state visit by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, US President Joe Biden unveiled a historic opportunity: a Japanese astronaut will join upcoming Artemis missions, becoming the first non-American to step foot on the moon. This offer underscores the strengthening ties between the US and Japan, a key Asian ally.
In a joint press conference, President Biden expressed, “Two Japanese astronauts will participate in future American missions, with one making history as the first non-American lunar explorer.” Prime Minister Kishida celebrated this announcement as a “significant achievement” and pledged Japan’s contribution by supplying a rover for the program.
Nasa’s Artemis initiative aims to reestablish human presence on the lunar surface after more than half a century and pave the way for potential Mars missions. Notably, the Apollo program, spanning 1969 to 1972, saw 12 American astronauts—all Caucasian men—walk on the moon.
Artemis represents progress towards diversity and inclusivity, as Nasa has previously announced plans for the first woman and person of color to land on the moon. Nasa’s Chief, Bill Nelson, emphasized the collaborative spirit, stating, “America’s lunar journey will no longer be solitary. Diplomacy fosters exploration, and exploration strengthens diplomacy.”
The inaugural mission, Artemis 3, slated for 2026, will mark the return of humans to the lunar surface. Concurrently, China has articulated ambitions to land humans on the moon by 2030.
Japan’s space agency, JAXA, expressed profound joy at the announcement, with a spokesman affirming their commitment to fulfilling the agreement, including the development of the rover for the program.
