posted 04-10-2024 09:25 PM               

Japanese astronauts will join NASA moon landings in return for lunar rover

The first non-American to walk on the moon will be a Japanese astronaut, based on a new agreement between the United States and Japan.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced the goal during a state visit by Japan's prime minister, Kishida Fumio, on Wednesday (April 10). ...

The new Lunar Surface Exploration Implementing Arrangement ... does not specify on what Artemis lunar landings missions the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronauts will fly, but does note that the flights rely on "important benchmarks" being met.

"Japan will develop for NASA's use a pressurized rover," said Nelson in a video statement. "It is going to lead us to cover ground we've never covered before, because [the astronauts] will be out and can stay for several days on the surface. That means cover it literally, scientifically and diplomatically."