[KyodoNewsJune19]Hiroshi Yamakawa, chairman of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), held a press conference at the Japan Press Club on the 18th, emphasizing that the world’s first probe “SLIM” that achieved a precise landing within 100 meters of the target on the lunar surface will become an essential technology for continued lunar exploration in the future. (In the global competition for lunar exploration) It has an advantage.

Yamakawa said that the Artemis Project, an international lunar exploration project in which Japan is also participating, focuses on investigating the lunar south pole where water may exist. He said: “It is necessary to land precisely in craters (where water may exist), and this technology can contribute.”

SLIM successfully landed on the lunar surface in January this year, making Japan the fifth country to successfully land on the moon. The landing accuracy of other countries before was from a few kilometers to more than ten kilometers, while SLIM arrived at a position about 55 meters east of the target location.

Regarding the new rocket H3, Yamakawa said, “I hope to transfer its use to the private sector as soon as possible.” He also said that Japan’s rockets such as H2A can be launched on schedule, which is our strength, “We will let H3 inherit the tradition and strive for launch opportunities around the world.” (End)