We have a monthly press conference in November, for the first time in two months, after the last held in September.
Over this past period of time, we have carried out important events for a number of missions, which include the launch of Epsilon-6. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere apology for the failed event, and the resulting disappointment of many people’s expectations.
At present, JAXA is exerting every possible effort to clarify the cause as early as possible.
I’d like to offer my particularly deep apology to the private corporations, technical colleges, and universities that have developed satellites mounted on Epsilon-6. We are discussing with these organizations, considering the possibility of making forward-looking proposals.
We will step up our efforts so as to successfully deliver projects planned for the H3 Launch Vehicle rocket, satellite and other missions.

JAXA Astronaut WAKATA Koichi departed from the the Earth on October 6 (JST) aboard the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-5), and arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), starting his long-duration stay from the following day (October 7). On October 24, he recorded the 365th day of his career spent in space, becoming the first-ever Japanese to establish such a record. We are very proud and honored to have one of our well-experienced astronauts making a notable achievement.

During his long-duration mission, WAKATA will carry out an array of space experiments in the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.” Major plans are to use the microgravity environment for the purpose of pharmaceutical development and high-quality protein crystal growth experiments aimed for industrial applications, areas where JAXA has built a substantial track record. Others are to use the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF), a system enabling measurements for high-temperature thermophysical properties, which are difficult to perform with conventional ground-based methods. One project involves nematode experiments aimed at understanding the effect of spaceflight on human aging process. In addition to the above, many more challenging missions are scheduled, including those taking measurements of liquid behavior in a low-gravity environment, with an aim to provide data required to design systems for future lunar and Martian human space exploration missions.
During a period of one month from the arrival at the ISS, WAKATA had completed a number of tasks related to preparation for high-quality protein crystal growth experiments scheduled for the end of November and the exchange of sample holders for ELF projects, in addition to holding the 3rd Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC) Final Round, an international on-orbit competition event. He also performed maintenance duties, such as replacements for the ISS facilities and inspection of Kibo’s robotic arms.

I believe that he will fulfill all these missions as scheduled, making the most of his experience as a skilled astronaut. I also hope that his performance will help maintain and enhance the experiences, capabilities and international relationships that Japan has built up over years, which will enable the country to expand its engagement in and contribution to future space exploration and other missions.
We would appreciate it if we could have your continuing support.

Artemis I, the augural mission of the Artemis program, in which Japan participates, has begun to move ahead with the rescheduled launch plan. On November 4, the Space Launch System (SLS) was returned to the launch site from the vehicle assembly building (VAB), where the launcher had rolled back due to the impact of a hurricane approaching in September. At present, the launch is scheduled for November 16 (JST), with November 19 set as an alternative date for backup, according to NASA’s announcement.

Artemis I will carry a total of ten CubeSats, including two measuring approximately 11 cm x 24 cm x 37 cm and developed by JAXA―OMOTENASHI and EQUULEUS (co-developed with the University of Tokyo). Preparations for the launch of the two CubeSats progressed aiming at November 14 according to the initial schedule, and the batteries were recharged at the VAB on October 13. However, due to the approach of a tropical storm, the plan was postponed, setting a new launch date to November 16. As a result, relevant teams are currently throwing themselves at responding to issues related to the change and rearranging preparation procedures. OMOTENASHI is planned to land on the lunar surface five or six days after its launch.

The OMOTENASHI mission is to effect a miniature lunar lander. It is designed to conduct a range of related technical demonstrations, such as precise orbit determination, deceleration control using a solid rocket, shock absorption, and subminiature communication systems.

The EQUULEUS mission is primarily to demonstrate trajectory control techniques within the Sun-Earth-Moon region by a CubeSat. It is designed to perform energy-efficient low-thrust flybys using solar and lunar gravity, and explore the Earth-Moon Lagrange point. The demonstrated techniques are expected to expand the future possibility of CubeSat lunar projects undertaking science missions and technical demonstrations in a larger scale.

We are also moving forward with the transformable lunar robot project, a lunar mission. The launch is scheduled for November 22 at the earliest. The transformable lunar robot, an 8 cm-diameter structure, has been jointly developed by JAXA, TOMY Company, Ltd., Sony Group Corporation, and Doshisha University. Transportation of the robot to the Moon will be conducted by ispace, inc. While the robot travels on the lunar surface, images on behavior of the regolith and lunar surfaces will be sent to the ground operation. The acquired data will be utilized for the development of future crewed pressurized rover and other missions.

We are committed to these very challenging missions, to be able to achieve substantial results for the purpose of future technical development.

I would like to inform you of the development status of the LE-9 engine, which is being newly developed as the first stage engine for the H3 Launch Vehicle.

As part of the development testing for the launch of the first flight of H3, a Captive Firing Test (CFT) was conducted at the Tanegashima Space Center on November 6 and 7, completing a comprehensive check for the first stage propulsion system using an actual tank.

In parallel with the CFT, the four second-half firing tests to qualify LE-9 operating lifetime were performed in October and November. Those tests have been completed as planned, and acquired data are currently undergoing detailed evaluations.

Based on the results of these tests, we will determine the date of the launch of the first flight.

Prior to the above, turbopump testing was conducted at the Kakuda Space Center on September 29, in order to obtain data for selecting optimal specifications of the LE-9 engine, looking at development for the second and following flights of H3. The test was completed as planned, and acquired data are under analysis at present. Using the analysis results, we will advance development of the LE-9 engine for the second and following flights of H3.