Japan’s ambitions in space exploration and international collaboration have taken a significant leap forward with a flurry of announcements and agreements that highlight the country’s growing role in global space initiatives. On August 22, 2025, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) revealed its plans to join the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Ramses mission, an ambitious project set to observe the Apophis asteroid as it makes a close approach to Earth in 2029. This partnership marks a notable step in Japan’s efforts to strengthen its scientific and technological ties with Europe, especially as global space policies continue to shift.
The Ramses mission, which still awaits final approval from ESA in November 2025, aims to provide crucial data about Apophis—a near-Earth asteroid whose 2029 flyby has captured the attention of planetary defense experts worldwide. According to Reuters, JAXA Vice President Masaki Fujimoto emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, “Under the circumstances, JAXA must increasingly support Ramses to study Apophis through Japan-Europe collaboration, on behalf of humanity worldwide.” This statement underscores the sense of shared responsibility and urgency that accompanies efforts to monitor and understand potential asteroid threats.
Japan’s contribution to the Ramses mission is multifaceted. The country has pledged to provide its H3 rocket as a launch vehicle, a move that not only showcases Japan’s technological capabilities but also cements its position as a dependable partner in international space endeavors. JAXA is also considering a ride-share launch involving its own deep space explorer, DESTINY+, alongside Ramses in 2028. This innovative approach would maximize the efficiency of the launch and expand the scientific reach of both missions. In addition, Japan plans to supply infrared sensors and solar array paddle components for the Ramses spacecraft, further integrating its technology into the heart of the mission.
These collaborative efforts are especially timely given the uncertainty surrounding NASA’s own plans to study Apophis. The U.S. space agency had previously announced the OSIRIS-APEX mission, which was intended to rendezvous with the asteroid in 2029. However, as reported by Reuters, the fate of this mission is now in doubt due to potential budget cuts in the United States. This development has prompted Japan and Europe to deepen their partnership, ensuring that critical observations of Apophis will proceed even if the U.S. mission is delayed or canceled.
The scientific rationale behind these missions is clear. Studying the close passage of Apophis is considered vital for planetary defense, as it offers a rare opportunity to gather data that could inform future strategies for mitigating asteroid collision risks. “Studying events like Apophis’ passage close to the Earth is crucial for planetary defense activities against asteroid collision risks in the future,” scientists have noted, according to Reuters. The data collected during the 2029 flyby could prove invaluable in developing new techniques for tracking, characterizing, and potentially diverting hazardous asteroids.
Japan’s expanding role in space is not limited to the Ramses mission. The country is also making headlines for its upcoming launch of the HTV-X, a new uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). On the same day as the Ramses announcement, JAXA confirmed that the HTV-X will be launched on October 21, 2025, using Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. The HTV-X is the product of a collaboration between MHI and Mitsubishi Electric, representing another example of Japan’s commitment to advancing space technology through public-private partnerships.
The H3 rocket itself has become a symbol of Japanese innovation and reliability in the field of space transportation. Since its first successful flight in 2024, the H3 has been at the center of several high-profile agreements. Notably, in September 2024, Eutelsat—a French competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system—signed a multi-launch contract with MHI. This deal further strengthens the commercial ties between Japan and Europe and highlights the growing demand for secure, reliable satellite launch services.
Japan’s collaborative spirit extends beyond Europe. The country is currently working with India on the LUPEX lunar rover mission, which aims to explore the lunar surface in greater detail. This joint venture is part of a broader strategy to foster partnerships with other spacefaring nations, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
Amid these ambitious projects, the geopolitical landscape of space exploration is evolving rapidly. The deepening cooperation between Japan and Europe comes at a time when U.S. space policies are in flux and China and Russia are strengthening their own partnership in space. Despite these shifts, both ESA and JAXA have reaffirmed their commitment to the NASA-led Artemis lunar program, even as the U.S. administration proposes significant changes to its moon missions. This steadfast support for Artemis signals a shared belief in the importance of international collaboration, even when national priorities may diverge.
In July 2025, the European Union and Japan solidified their cooperation in satellite technology during a leaders’ summit in Tokyo. The two sides confirmed plans to build satellite constellations, including Europe’s IRIS² infrastructure—a next-generation satellite communication system designed to enhance connectivity and security across the continent. This initiative is yet another example of how Japan and Europe are aligning their technological resources to address common challenges and seize new opportunities in space.
The convergence of these various missions and agreements paints a picture of a nation that is both ambitious and pragmatic. Japan recognizes that its future in space depends on forging strong alliances, investing in cutting-edge technology, and remaining adaptable in the face of changing global dynamics. Whether it’s launching cargo to the ISS, studying asteroids that could one day threaten Earth, or building the infrastructure for a new era of satellite communications, Japan is positioning itself as a key player on the world stage.
As the world looks ahead to the 2029 flyby of Apophis and the upcoming launches from Tanegashima, the sense of anticipation is palpable. The stakes are high, but so too is the spirit of cooperation and innovation that defines the current moment in space exploration. With its eyes fixed firmly on the stars—and its feet planted in a tradition of scientific excellence—Japan is helping to shape the future of humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
