Japan is expected to join the US-led Gateway project, which will see a manned space station put in lunar orbit as a base for missions to the moon's surface and, potentially, Mars. The programme, which aims to keep the US ahead of China, will go hand-in-hand with the establishment of the US Space Force in 2020. Japan will support Gateway with life support systems and cargo transportation. Japan's new plan also includes plans to send astronauts into deep space, including on trips around Jupiter and Saturn. 27 May. Canada is already part of the Gateway project, with the EU expected to participate.
Japan is expected to join the US-led Gateway project, which will see a manned space station put in lunar orbit as a base for missions to the moon's surface and, potentially, Mars. The programme, which aims to keep the US ahead of China, will go hand-in-hand with the establishment of the US Space Force in 2020. Japan will support Gateway with life support systems and cargo transportation. The two countries will likely sign a cooperation agreement on 27 May. Canada is already part of the Gateway project, with the EU expected to participate.