Japanese astronaut to be first non-American to set foot on moon

Hitching a ride — not exactly what those expecting Japan to put a man on the moon were hoping for.

The first mission to take astronauts to the lunar surface, Artemis 3, is planned for 2026. China meanwhile has said it seeks to put humans on the moon by 2030.

Brilliant news - thanks to NASA and JAXA. A Japanese person will beat a Chinese to walk on the moon by 4 years at least!

The 50-Yuan army will not be happy about this! Angry/Jealous missives incoming...

In face of space, I learned that anyone should remain humble and it is a bit as arrogant to assert (many) years before it would happen that a Japanese will be the next non-American to set foot on the Moon.

I wish success to all the braves to join such adventure.

Go Japan.

I'll believe it when I see it. Hopefully boeing isn't involved.

Asiaman7Today 12:50 pm JST

Hitching a ride — not exactly what those expecting Japan to put a man on the moon were hoping for.

On the contrary, it is what I'd expect from a country with allies and partners. Artemis is a team effort between several nations, and Japan is handling the rover, per the article.

If you have allies and partners, you can share the workload and all reap the benefits together.

It'll be a small step, indeed.

"Two Japanese astronauts will join future American missions, and one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon," Biden said in a press conference with Kishida.

Unless the Chinese get there beforehand... or the Russians... or Indians... _^

Love this move by the USA... the US's two closest allies are the UK and Japan but putting a British Astronaut on the Moon, strategically isn't as powerful as a Japanese. The Chinese will be able to say at some point they did it by themselves but they are slightly taking a back seat. India... India would like to beat the Chinese but generally they don't compete as much with the Japanese.

I remember the former Soviet Union has led a free riding for Vietnamese and Mongolian astronauts to space during the peak of the USSR in 1980s. For a vassal state that was a great achievement and a reward of political obedience. Now Japan is overjoy with the future free riding to moon. Thanks to Mr.Kishida's know towing to American hegemony, he beats Abe San over this.And of course they are very happy!

Brilliant news - thanks to NASA and JAXA. A Japanese person will beat a Chinese to walk on the moon by 4 years at least

Is that worth to feel proud about? The whole world knows Japan didn't do much of the homework but taking a free riding through political concession. Japan just dont have owned the space technology required to moon, everyone knows. About the four or less years of time lapse doesn't matter, this is not a Marathon racing.

Congrats on finishing well past second?

If you have allies and partners, you can share the workload and all reap the benefits together.

Teamwork makes the dream work. That is why we have allies.

Also, suck it, China and Russia. Suck it hard.

He or she will just be a hitchhiker since Japan's own aerospace programs have been riddled with failures.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/Japan%27s-aerospace-industries-falling-further-behind

Asiaman7 Apr. 11  12:50 pm JST

Hitching a ride — not exactly what those expecting Japan to put a man on the moon were hoping for.

The Japanese crew members won't just be "hitching a ride."

They will have vital duties to perform during the entire mission.

All astronauts do.

Wonder how much tax money Kishida forked over for this ego trip