Open Platform Partnership Program Will Further Strengthen Relationship Between NASA And JAXA

Japanese and U.S. governments have agreed on a new cooperation framework for the International Space Station (ISS) Program and, accordingly, Japan has extended its participation in the ISS operations until 2024. Through operations and utilizations of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” and the cargo transporter to the ISS “KOUNOTORI”, JAXA will responsibly produce commensurate achievements from the extended operations.

The Japan-U.S. Open Platform Partnership Program (Japan-U.S. OP3) reached this week will step up the relationship between both countries to the next phase. In order to realize Japan’s space policy, JAXA will produce desirable outcomes by promoting unprecedented utilization of the Kibo and the KOUNOTORI effectively and efficiently leveraging the new framework.

“The station’s success is due to the ingenuity and cooperation of many nations, and it is our first stop on the journey to Mars," said NASA administrator James Bolden. "Japan’s Kibo laboratory, launches of cargo, outstanding crew members and innovative approach to the future of human spaceflight have contributed greatly to the station’s success.

“We look forward to our continued work together to generate even greater benefits for humanity aboard this unprecedented, world-class facility.”

(Source: JAXA and NASA news releases. Image from file)

FMI: www.nasa.gov/station