From this month onward, various missions are scheduled to be carried out. We are steadily moving forward with preparations for their implementation in collaboration with relevant organizations and companies, thanks to their continued support.
Today, I would like to introduce several major missions among them.

The first mission is the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW).
GOSAT-GW is scheduled to be launched aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 50 (H-IIA F50) on June 24. The satellite was transported from Kamakura Works of Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), where preparations at the launch site are currently underway as planned. A public unveiling of the satellite is scheduled for the 20th of this month.

Next, I would like to provide an update on the H3 Launch Vehicle.
By the end of May, we plan to conduct several firing tests to select the optimal specifications for the LE-9 Type 2 engine. The first test was conducted yesterday, and we are currently carrying out a detailed evaluation of the data obtained.
Together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and other partner companies, we at JAXA will continue to steadily advance the development of the H3 Launch Vehicle.

We have many other missions lined up as well.
The first model of the next-generation cargo transfer spacecraft (HTV-X), which is currently undergoing launch site preparations at the TNSC, is scheduled to be unveiled in its fully integrated form on June 2.
In addition, at the Uchinoura Space Center (USC), the S-310-46 sounding rocket is set to be launched on July 8 for an experiment aimed at understanding the formation process of the sporadic E layer in the mid-latitude ionosphere.

While not covered in this month’s update, all departments across JAXA—including those involved in aviation and fundamental technology development—are actively engaged in their respective projects. To ensure a strong start to the Phase 5 Midium/Long-term Plan, the entire JAXA team is fully committed to fulfilling its role as a hub that connects industry, academia, and government, working in close collaboration with the government, related organizations, and partner companies.

This evening, we will open a public call for applications to the second phase of the Space Strategy Fund.
The second phase covers 24 research and development themes designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), with the 300 billion yen in funding allocated to JAXA in the FY2024 supplementary budget. Of these 24 themes, public calls for three will open today.

The Space Strategy Fund is designed to support startups, private companies, universities, and other entities in pursuing bold, multi-year space technology development.
This January, JAXA submitted proposals related to the second phase of the Space Strategy Fund in the Committee on National Space Policy, including the setting of technology development themes, promotion of international collaboration and overseas market expansion, and initiatives aimed at achieving the fund’s goals. We understand that the fund was deliberated and approved with these proposals taken into consideration.
A key feature of the second phase is the planned expansion in the number of selected projects under the government-designated technology development themes—from around 50 in the first phase to approximately 140. The expanded set of projects will include new themes expected to encourage wider participation and broaden the base of stakeholders in the space sector.
In addition, as a new initiative, JAXA is working to encourage outstanding proposals from a broad range of stakeholders across Japan, including those from non-space sectors. As part of this effort, we have announced the anticipated start dates for all 24 technology development themes to help participants deepen their understanding and improve foresight. We are also actively sharing information on the themes by providing various opportunities, such as domain-specific briefings in areas including transportation, satellites, exploration, and cross-cutting technologies, as well as workshops to foster close dialogue with diverse communities. We would be grateful if you could review this information and begin preparing your applications.
For detailed application procedures regarding the three themes opening for public applications today, please visit the Space Strategy Fund website.

Through this fund, JAXA is committed to fully supporting your innovative endeavors and accelerating space activities as a hub that connects industry, academia, and government. We sincerely look forward to receiving your applications.