The complete database of

Japanese Spacecraft

Japan’s space program began in the 1950s with rocket research at the University of Tokyo. The country’s first successful rocket launch came in 1955 with a small, solid-fuel rocket called Pencil, designed to reach the upper atmosphere. Let’s journey through Japan’s space exploration achievements with its spacecraft and discover how the country draws on collective wisdom to reach groundbreaking technological advancements.

In 1969, the country founded the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), which focused on satellite launches and scientific research. Japan’s first satellite, Ohsumi, was launched in 1970 aboard a domestically developed rocket, making Japan the fourth nation to independently launch a satellite.

Over the decades, Japan developed a series of launch vehicles, including the Lambda series (1960s–1970s) for experimental satellites, the Mu series (1970s–1980s) for larger payloads, and the H-I and H-II rockets (1990s onward), capable of putting satellites into geostationary orbit.

Japan also contributed to international space efforts. Its Kibo module, added to the International Space Station in 2008, is the largest single module on the station and supports scientific experiments in microgravity. Japan’s exploration extended to deep space with the Hayabusa missions and small, cost-effective rockets like the Epsilon series, and ambitious future missions, including lunar exploration and potential Mars missions.

Japanese Space Programs

Japanese space programs are renowned for their innovation, precision, and contributions to space exploration. They are spearheaded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which was established through the merger of three organizations: the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).

The International Space Station Program - Spacecraft Database

The ISS Program

Explore the International Space Station, a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration, conducting groundbreaking research.

Lunar Gateway Program - Spacecraft & Vehicles Database

The Lunar Gateway Program

The Lunar Gateway Program is an international collaborative effort led by NASA to establish a space station in lunar orbit.

Artemis Program - Spacecraft & Vehicles Database - NASA/ESA

The Artemis Program

Explore the Artemis program, returning humans to the Moon and paving the way for future crewed missions to Mars.

The Ohsumi Satellite Program

Explore Japan’s pioneering journey into space with the Ohsumi Satellite Program, uncovering its historic achievements and contributions.

The Hiten Lunar Probe Program

Discover Japan’s pioneering journey to the Moon with the Hiten Lunar Probe Program, Japan’s first mission to explore the lunar environment.

Highlights: ISS' Kibo

Kibo, which means “hope” in Japanese, is Japan’s flagship contribution to the International Space Station (ISS). Developed by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), it is the largest single module on the ISS, weighing about 15 tons and measuring 11 meters long with a 4.4-meter diameter. It was launched in three main components between 2008 and 2009 via the Space Shuttle.

Kibo is unique because it combines a pressurized laboratory, an exposed facility, and a logistics module, allowing scientists to conduct experiments both inside and outside the ISS. Kibo’s robotic arm, called the JEM Remote Manipulator System, can also move experiments and satellites from the pressurized module to the exposed facility, demonstrating Japan’s engineering prowess in robotics.

All Spacecraft from Japan

Japan’s space programs reflect its commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration, fostering technological innovation, and contributing to the peaceful use of outer space for the betterment of humanity. Explore all Japanese cargo and crewed spacecraft, orbiters, military satellites, and much more.

Japanese Rockets

Japan’s journey into space began with solid-fuel experimental rockets in the 1950s and 1960s. The Lambda family represented the nation’s first step toward orbital capability, culminating in the launch of the Ōsumi satellite in 1970. Following Lambda, Japan developed the Mu series, larger and more capable rockets that supported a variety of scientific missions. More recently, the Epsilon rocket has become Japan’s solution for small, cost-effective satellite launches, showcasing modular design, automation, and rapid turnaround.

Mu Rocket Family

Explore the legacy and achievements of the Mu Rocket family, Japanese launch vehicles known for their reliability in supporting exploration.

H-IIA Rocket

Explore the H-IIA rocket, a cornerstone of Japan’s space program known for its reliability and versatility. Learn about its design and missions.

Epsilon Rocket

Discover Japan’s Epsilon rocket, a cost-effective and reliable launch vehicle for small satellite missions, advancing space exploration.

Lambda Rocket Family

The Lambda rocket family was a series of Japanese carrier rockets designed for scientific missions, including research and satellite launches.

H-I Rocket

The H-I was Japan’s first medium-lift launch vehicle to incorporate liquid-fuel technology. It was developed by NASDA in the 1980s.

Pencil Rocket

The Pencil Rocket was developed in 1954 by the University of Tokyo by Hideo Itokawa, often regarded as the father of Japanese rocketry.

Japanese Orbiters and Probes

Japanese orbiters have included both satellites and crewed spacecraft systems, primarily designed for scientific research, Earth observation, and international collaboration. Early orbiters such as Ohsumi and its successors focused on testing technologies and gathering ionospheric data. The Hayabusa program pioneered sample return missions, with Hayabusa successfully returning dust from asteroid Itokawa and Hayabusa2 retrieving samples from Ryugu, providing unprecedented insight into the early solar system. Japan has also collaborated internationally with satellites like Akari, an infrared astronomy observatory, and Earth-monitoring missions supporting climate research and disaster prevention.

Michibiki Satellite System

Discover the Michibiki Satellite System, Japan’s contribution to global navigation. Learn about its role in accuracy and applications.

Hiten Spacecraft - Spacecraft & Probes Database - Japan

Hiten Lunar Probe Spacecraft

Explore Japan’s first lunar exploration mission with the Hiten Lunar Probe, showcasing the country’s capabilities in space exploration.

Hayabusa Spacecraft

Discover the remarkable journey of Japan’s Hayabusa spacecraft, the first to successfully return samples from an asteroid.

Selene / Kaguya Lunar Orbiter

Explore Japan’s first lunar exploration mission with the Hiten Lunar Probe, showcasing the country’s capabilities in space exploration.

OMOTENASHI Spacecraft

Explore the OMOTENASHI spacecraft, a collaborative effort by JAXA and international partners to study space weather and its impact on Earth.

Hayabusa2 Spacecraft

Hayabusa2 is a Japanese spacecraft developed by JAXA and launched in 2014 with the mission of exploring the asteroid Ryugu.

Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter

The Akatsuki spacecraft, also known as the Venus Climate Orbiter or Planet-C, is a Japanese space probe launched by JAXA to study Venus.

More Japanese Spacecraft

Beyond rockets, orbiters, and probes, Japan has developed specialized spacecraft with experimental, technological, or dual scientific-commercial purposes. These include small satellites for testing formation flight, nanosatellites for university-led experiments, and space telescopes such as HINODE, observing solar phenomena. Japan’s contribution to robotic technology in space is notable, with advanced robotic arms, satellite servicing mechanisms, and docking systems widely used in international projects.

H-II Transfer Vehicle - Spacecraft & Space Database - Japan

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