September 9, 2016 (JST)

National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

On September 8, 2016, Mr. Yuichi Yamaura, Vice President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and H.E. Dr. Cihan Kanlıgöz, Director General of the Aeronautics and Space Technologies, the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Turkey, newly signed a Cooperation Arrangement concerning the utilization of the International Space Station (ISS) Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo).

The cooperation is to offer opportunities to deploy a cube satellite (CubeSat) from the Kibo module and to conduct space experiments in an exposed environment using the Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism called ExHAM on board Kibo. With this agreement, both parties intend to promote concrete cooperation by utilizing experience in the field of space technology and its utilization that JAXA has practiced. Both parties will discuss further to enhance the collaborative relationship in such areas as support for the establishment of a space agency, which the Republic of Turkey aims to, and promotion of capacity-building activities.

The signing ceremony of the Agreement was held in Ankara in the presence of H.E. Yosuke Tsuruho, Minister of State for Space Policy, the Cabinet Office of Japan, and H.E. Afmet Arslan, Minister of Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Turkey.