Japan is expected to join the US-led the US Space Force 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 Gateway in 2020. Japan will support the US Space Force 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 the US Space Force 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.