Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Memorandum of Understanding between Japan and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America concerning Cooperation on the Civil Lunar Gateway entered into force, an official statement in Tokyo today (Jan. 13) said.

This international agreement includes a human outpost in the lunar vicinity which the United States plans to develop on the basis of international cooperation. Japan will also contribute to the development of the Gateway by leveraging its strengths and promote international cooperation in the space domain.

This MUO is “for peaceful purposes and in accordance with international law, for the detailed design, development, operation, and utilization of the Gateway.” It applies only to the detailed design, development, operation, and utilization of the Gateway, understanding that this includes activities on the Earth and in space; activities in support of missions beyond the Gateway that are undertaken on the Gateway or using Gateway resources; and Gateway Elements, the statement said.

In October, 2019, Japan decided to participate in international space exploration under the proposal of the United States (Artemis program) including the development of the Gateway. Since then, Japan has coordinated with the United States to establish an appropriate legal framework.

Space agencies of Russia and Canada are part of this cooperation.