The New Unmanned Cargo Transfer Spacecraft1 (HTV-X1), launched and berthed with the International Space Station (ISS) last October, re-entered the atmosphere on May 26, 2026, after successfully completing its planned cargo transport to the ISS and on-orbit technology demonstration missions.
HTV-X1 inherited the development and operational expertise accumulated through successful KOUNOTORI (HTV) missions, while enhancing cargo capacity and operational flexibility, and introducing new capabilities as a technology demonstration platform. HTV-X1 has not only fulfilled Japan’s responsibilities as a member of the ISS international partners but also provided diverse opportunities for on-orbit technology demonstrations, thereby contributing significantly to the stable operation of the ISS and to the advancement of future space utilization and exploration.
For future vehicles in the series, we will continue to steadily advance the development and operation of this versatile spacecraft, which has the potential to support lunar and Mars exploration and cargo transportation to future space stations in the post-ISS era.

Last week, on June 12, H3 Launch Vehicle Flight No.6, 30 configuration Test Vehicle, was launched, and the injection of its second stage into the predetermined orbit and the separation of the six small secondary payloads aboard the launch vehicle were confirmed. We would like to convey our gratitude to the media outlets for covering this launch in articles and news reports.
In addition, as we announced on June 15, the launch of MICHIBIKI No.7, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-7) aboard H3 Launch Vehicle Flight No.9 (H3 F9) is scheduled for August 7.
JAXA will continue to steadily operate Japan’s mainstay launch vehicles through a concerted effort with relevant companies.

After arriving at asteroid Ryugu in 2018, HAYABUSA2 returned to Earth in 2020, successfully accomplishing a sample return of asteroid surface material.

Since then, HAYABUSA2 has continued to operate under an “Extended Mission.” On July 5, 2026, at around 6:30 p.m. (JST), the spacecraft will conduct a flyby observation during a close pass to asteroid Torifune, the first target object of the Extended Mission. The flyby aims to demonstrate high-precision orbital guidance technology, which plays an important role in the field of planetary defense, contributing to the mitigation of future asteroid impact risks.

First, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake that occurred off the coast of Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, on June 8.

Last month, in May, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Republic of the Philippines visited Japan as a State Guest. Let me introduce the space-related topics and outcomes from his visit.
JAXA and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed the Joint Declaration of Interest (DOI), which outlines the future direction of space-related cooperation, on May 27. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the two agencies in 2021, JAXA and PhilSA have been cooperating in various initiatives, including the launch of satellites developed by the Republic of the Philippines and the use of JAXA’s space technology and satellite data analysis technology to help mitigate disaster risks and promote prompt disaster response in the Philippines. This DOI confirms the agencies’ intention to further enhance their cooperation. Specifically, we will consider new possibilities for cooperation across a wide range of fields, such as joint satellite missions and satellite data utilization, space exploration and human spaceflight activities, and space sustainability, while taking into account collaboration with the private sector.

At the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting held on May 28, the day after the DOI was signed, and in the joint statement issued at the Meeting, the space sector was positioned as an important area of cooperation. I understand that both leaders confirmed that they would further deepen cooperation toward food security and sustainable development by leveraging space technologies and digital transformation (DX). At the beginning of the Meeting, President Marcos reportedly touched on the fact that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ first microsatellite, DIWATA-1, which was deployed from the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the ISS, stating that bilateral space cooperation is linked to innovation and future industries.

In addition to the above meeting, Japan also held bilateral summit meetings with Malaysia on June 10, the United Kingdom on June 14, and Italy on June 15. I understand that joint statements and related documents were issued or exchanged with each of these countries, confirming or referring to the importance of cooperation and collaboration in the space sector.

JAXA will further deepen space cooperation with the Philippines and other countries and strengthen ties in research and development, the space economy and innovation, and other areas, while contributing to regional development and the resolution of regional issues.