HOUSTON, TX – December 10, 2024 — A new chapter in U.S.-Japan space collaboration took flight as the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH), with support from the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston and in partnership with the Rice Space Institute and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), convened a landmark conference to spotlight the past, present, and future of bilateral space cooperation.
The 2024 U.S.-Japan Space Forum brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to examine the expansion of public-private partnerships fueling innovation in space exploration—particularly in the context of lunar surface development. Central to these discussions were key initiatives by both countries that underscore the growing role of industry in space advancement, such as Toyota’s Lunar Cruiser project and Lonestar Data Holdings’ trailblazing plans to establish lunar-based data centers.
“The forum was a clear demonstration of the enduring strength of U.S.-Japan cooperation in aerospace,” said JASH leadership. “From the Moon to Mars and beyond, our two nations are forging a shared vision for humanity’s future in space.”
The conference also served as a platform to celebrate a decades-long legacy of collaboration. Since the signing of their first space technology agreement in 1969, the U.S. and Japan have worked in lockstep to advance aerospace research, technology development, and mission operations. That partnership reached a new milestone with the 2023 signing of the Framework Agreement for Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, for Peaceful Purposes. More than a decade in the making, the agreement commits both nations to enhanced cooperation in civil space activities including space transportation, scientific research, and mission assurance.
The strategic importance of this alliance was further reinforced in April 2024, when former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made an official visit to the United States. During the summit, it was announced that a Japanese astronaut will become the first non-American to land on the Moon as part of a future Artemis mission—a landmark achievement symbolizing the deep trust and mutual ambition shared by NASA and JAXA.
JASH extends its sincere gratitude to the distinguished keynote speakers:
Akihiko HOSHIDE, Astronaut, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); and
Dr. Kjell N. LINDGREN, Astronaut, NASA.
We also thank our expert panelists:
Dr. Timothy CRAIN, Chief Growth Officer, CTO & Co-founder, Intuitive Machines
Hiroto HASHIMOTO, Chief Designer, Toyota Motor Corporation
Yorichika MIHARA, Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.
Chris STOTT, CEO, Lonestar Data Holdings Inc.
And our moderator:
Dr. David ALEXANDER, Director, Rice Space Institute
Their insights and leadership made this forum a powerful platform for dialogue and inspiration.
Looking forward, JASH and its partners are committed to building on the momentum of this year’s forum. Future initiatives will continue to explore emerging areas of cooperation, including space situational awareness, commercial space activities, global navigation satellite systems, space security, and international rulemaking.
As the U.S. and Japan continue to lead the way in aerospace innovation, their collaborative spirit is setting the standard for international cooperation in the 21st century. With shared values and a bold vision for exploration, the two nations are not only advancing scientific discovery—they are shaping the future of space itself.
We invite all who share this vision to join us in unlocking the next frontier—together.
photos by Night.Sky.Creative