Since the last regular press conference, JAXA has been engaged in a range of missions and projects. At the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), we conducted four firing tests on the LE-9 Type 2 engine for the H3 Launch Vehicle from May 15 to June 3, and also unveiled the first model of the next-generation cargo transfer spacecraft (HTV-X) on June 2. At the Taiki Aerospace Research Field, two of the balloon-borne experiments scheduled for this fiscal year were conducted on June 6 and 12. Each project is progressing steadily and smoothly.

In addition, on June 9, JAXA issued a joint declaration with the Innovation Agency Lithuania “recognizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between both countries for mutual benefits in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes,” and “starting dialogue to explore possibilities of cooperation in this field.”
In terms of international collaboration, opportunities for dialogue with representatives from various countries are increasing, partly due to the EXPO2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. To date, the board members of JAXA, including myself, have interacted and exchanged views with countries and organizations from around the world, including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Italy, and Paraguay. Through these dialogues, JAXA aims to build mutually beneficial partnerships by promoting the utilization of Japan’s aerospace technologies, advancing the aerospace industries of both Japan and its partners, and fostering human resource development.

Three months have passed since Astronaut Onishi began his long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He assumed the role of ISS Commander on April 19, and has been actively engaged in on-orbit technology demonstrations and scientific experiments throughout his stay, with all activities showing steady progress as intended.

His recent activities include a life science experiment aimed at elucidating the gravisensing mechanism in single cells, conducted in the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo. In this experiment, cells cultured in a microgravity environment are observed in their living state using the Confocal Space Microscopy (COSMIC), a microscope system specifically designed for on-orbit life science experiments installed in Kibo. In collaboration with the ground operations team and researchers, Astronaut Onishi and other ISS crew members successfully conducted a total of seven observations during the experiment period.
Other scientific experiments, including protein crystal growth (PCG) experiments and solid combustion experiments. During the PCG experiments, the Internal Ball Camera2 (Int-Ball2), an intravehicular drone robot, records Astronaut Onishi’s activities to support coordination with the ground operations team.
In addition to the above, Astronaut Onishi has been steadily carrying out a wide range of tasks, such as inspecting Kibo’s equipment as part of onboard maintenance work and replacing devices mounted on the robotic arm. JAXA remains committed to promoting the scientific and technological utilization of the Kibo module by making the most of its unique environment onboard the ISS.

Astronaut Onishi has also been actively engaged in public outreach activities. These include a special educational lesson he delivered from space to a high school in Matsuyama City. The session provided a valuable opportunity for interaction, as he explained his daily life and work aboard the ISS in an easy-to-understand manner to about 170 students and teachers, and responded to their questions.
Furthermore, at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, an international startup exhibition hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other organizations, Astronaut Onishi participated in a live event, in which he communicated from the ISS with participants at the venue on Earth.
He answered their questions and introduced experimental equipment inside Kibo, directly showcasing the appeal of utilizing the experiment module.

During his stay on the ISS, Astronaut Onishi is assigned numerous tasks within a limited timeframe, covering missions from Japan and its international partners. Despite this demanding schedule, I am confident Astronaut Onishi will continue to work on each task with commitment and dedication.
Meanwhile, JAXA Astronaut YUI Kimiya, who has been preparing in the U.S. for his upcoming long-duration stay aboard the ISS starting in July, recently returned to Japan for a short period. While in Japan, he underwent training at the Tsukuba Space Center and participated in a press conference, among other activities.
JAXA remains fully committed to helping both astronauts perform at their best. The success of these activities relies not only on the individual efforts of the astronauts, but also on the warm understanding and support from the people of Japan. Once again, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone.

As part of the Agile Research Program for Advanced Technology in Satellite Service and Process, JAXA is developing technology for real-time, centimeter-level precise point positioning (PPP) in orbit, using signals from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

This initiative aims to realize real-time PPP processing in orbit by combining the high-precision positioning technology developed by the Space Technology Directorate I—which enables the accurate acquisition of satellite orbital information, specifically position and time data—with the high-performance computing technology of the Research and Development Directorate.
On-orbit technological demonstrations are planned in phases. The following are some of the areas expected to benefit from the future implementation of this technology.
(1) Improved orbit and clock estimation accuracy for QZSS and other GNSS
(2) Faster delivery of higher-quality imagery for users of Earth observation satellites
To be more specific about the future benefits, the orbital information of Earth observation satellites—specifically position and time data—at the time of capturing imagery, which have traditionally been estimated on the ground, will be determined instantly at the time of capture in orbit. This is expected to reduce the waiting time for users to access observation imagery from several days to just a few hours.

In this context, an onboard PPP technology demonstration unit was launched on May 17 aboard QPS-SAR10 (WADATSUMI-1), a satellite developed by the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), via an Electron rocket operated by the U.S.-based Rocket Lab Corporation.
We have heard from iQPS that the satellite is operating smoothly. Once preparations are complete, we plan to begin the on-orbit demonstration of the onboard PPP technology.
The Space Technology Directorate I and the Research and Development Directorate will continue to work closely to enhance the fundamental technologies for operational satellites.

Lastly, I would like to note that preparations at the launch site for the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW), scheduled for launch on June 24, are progressing smoothly, with the satellite’s public unveiling held on May 20. In preparation for the launch and subsequent operations, JAXA will continue to collaborate closely with its joint development partners—the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, the prime contractor responsible for satellite manufacturing—as well as with other companies and organizations involved in satellite operations.