(Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) JAXA Statistics and Facts (2025)

Introduction

JAXA Statistics: ​The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has made significant strides in space exploration during 2023 and 2024. On September 7, 2023, JAXA launched the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.47 from the Tanegashima Space Center. SLIM achieved Japan’s first successful soft landing on the Moon on January 20, 2024, with a landing precision evaluated at approximately 10 meters from the target point, marking the world’s first successful pinpoint lunar landing. ​

In 2024, JAXA recorded five spacecraft launches, three of which were conducted from domestic sites. Additionally, on October 30, 2024, JAXA and NASA jointly received the Marshall Green Award from the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, recognizing their longstanding cooperation in the aerospace field. ​

Furthermore, JAXA organized the Aviation Symposium 2024 on October 18, 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight, coinciding with the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition (JA2024). The symposium showcased major projects and research activities of JAXA’s Aviation Technology Directorate, highlighting its strategic directions in aviation research and development.

Editor’s Choice

• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was founded on October 1, 2003, and celebrated 21 years of establishment at the end of 2024.
• In 2015, JAXA became a National Research and Development Agency.
• JAXA was established through the merger of three organizations: the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), and the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL).
• JAXA is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
• In 2023, the initial budget of JAXA was 155.4 billion Japanese yen (USD 0.98 billion).
• In the same fiscal year (2023), JAXA reported the highest operating income for its space project segment, amounting to approximately 173 billion Japanese yen.
• This segment includes activities such as satellite operations, space transportation systems, space science and exploration, and human space activities.
• As of February 2024, 47 out of 48 H-IIA Flights were successfully launched, resulting in a 97.9% success rate.
• JAXA has planned to reach 50 H-IIA Flights by the end of 2025.
• On January 20, 2024, JAXA successfully landed the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) at 0:20 a.m. JST.
• In 2023, JAXA launched 2 spacecraft, representing an increase of 1 launch compared to 2022.
• JAXA developed the Kibo module, which is the largest experiment module on the International Space Station (ISS).
• On its 10th anniversary in 2013, JAXA introduced the corporate slogan “Explore to Realize”.
• Following its establishment in 2003, the first launch of H-IIA No. 6 failed; however, subsequent H-IIA launches were successful.

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General Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Facts

• The JAXA is headquartered in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan.
• JAXA uses the H-IIA rocket for the medium-lift launch vehicle. In 2023, the newly developed rocket H3 will replace the H-IIA and H-IIIB.
• Moreover, for smaller launches, JAXA uses the Epsilon rocket and the SS-520, S-520, and S-310 sounding rockets for experiments in the upper atmosphere.
• Active Fleet: JAXA boasts an impressive fleet of over 20 operational satellites, constantly gathering data and performing various missions.
• Earth Observation Satellites: JAXA is a leader in Earth observation. Their “GCOM” series of satellites, for instance, monitors weather patterns, climate change, and natural disasters.
• Scientific Spacecraft: JAXA ventures beyond Earth. Their “Hayabusa2” mission, for example, successfully collected samples from an asteroid and returned them to Earth for analysis, opening doors to studying the origins of our solar system.
• Global Partnerships: JAXA actively collaborates with international space agencies like NASA, ESA, and others. This teamwork allows for sharing of resources and expertise, pushing the boundaries of space exploration further.
• International Space Station (ISS): JAXA is a key partner in the ISS program. The Kibo module, a Japanese contribution, serves as a vital research and experimentation facility onboard the station.

JAXA Organization

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is segmented into 7 different bodies and their specialization:

• Space Technology Directorate I: (Allows in developing launch vehicles)
• Space Technology Directorate II: (Earth-observing satellites in charge)
• Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate: (Maintaining and helping in running all crewed spaceflight programs)
• Research and Development Directorate: (performs technological innovations and improvements that are required for aviation and spaceflight)
• Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS): (Head of all scientific satellites)
• The Aviation Program Group: (is focused on new technologies for further aviation)
• Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center (TansaX): (enable exploration of the solar system)

JAXA Statistics by Regular Staff

(Reference: statista.com)

• A report published by Statista on JAXA Statistics mentioned that, as of April 2023, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had around 1600 regular staff members.
• The number of regular staff in JAXA was slightly less in previous years, such as 2022 (1,588), 2021 (1,575), 2020 (1,552), 2019 (1,546), 2018 (1,525), 2017 (1,529), 2016 (1,545), 2015 (1,542), and 2014 (1,531).

JAXA Statistics By Budget

(Reference: statista.com)

• Based on JAXA Statistics, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s initial budget was 155.4 billion Japanese yen ($0.98 billion) in fiscal year 2023.
• Meanwhile, in 2022, the organization’s overall budget was 219.1 billion Japanese yen ($1.40 billion), segmented into an initial budget of 155.2 billion yen ($0.99 billion) and a supplementary budget of 63.6 billion yen ($0.41 billion)

Total Number of Spacecraft Launches by JAXA

(Reference: statista.com)

• According to JAXA Statistics, in 2023, only two spacecraft were launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which increased by 1 from 2022.
• Furthermore, from 2005 to 2021, total number of spacecraft launches were 2005 (2), 2006 (6), 2007 (2), 2008 (3), 2009 (4), 2010 (2), 2011 (3), 2012 (2), 2013 (3), 2014 (4), 2015 (4), 2016 (4), 2017 (6), 2018 (6), 2019 (2), 2020 (4), and 2021 (2).

JAXA’s Recent Milestones

• On February 2, 2025, JAXA launched the Michibiki 6 satellite aboard the H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center. This satellite is part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), enhancing regional navigation capabilities.
• February 2, 2025: H3-22S rocket launched the QZS-6 satellite into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• November 4, 2024: H3-22S rocket launched the DSN-3 payload into GTO.
• July 1, 2024: H3-22S rocket launched the ALOS-4 satellite into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
• On March 17, 2025, JAXA announced the public availability of Level 2 cloud and aerosol observation data from the EarthCARE satellite, contributing to climate research and weather prediction.
• For the fiscal year 2024, JAXA received a budget of 155.8 billion Japanese yen, excluding supplementary budgets. ​
• In February 2025, JAXA President Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in space exploration.
• In January 2025, JAXA introduced the world’s first large-scale riblet coating on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft operated by Japan Airlines.
• This technology aims to reduce skin friction resistance, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce CO₂ emissions.
• This mission, planned for 2025, will use the H3-24L rocket to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Scheduled for 2025, aiming to advance communication technologies. ​
• Development continues on CALLISTO, a collaborative project between JAXA, CNES (France), and DLR (Germany), aiming to demonstrate reusable rocket technologies with test flights anticipated in the 2025–2026 timeframe.

By Missions Launched

• On February 17, 2024, the JAXA organized three missions from the TNSC launch site: VEP-4, CE-SAT-IE, TIRSAT, and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM).
• Meanwhile, the launch vehicle used for these missions was the second H3 (H3 TF2).

Other launch records of the mission are described in the table below (from 2003 to 2023):

(Source: global.jaxa.jp)

JAXA Research Centers by Location

(Source: global.jaxa.jp)

JAXA Statistics by Astronauts

(Source: global.jaxa.jp)

• Currently, only 5 active astronauts are present at JAXA with experience of long-term stays at the International Space Station (ISS) over 100 days: Furukawa Satoshi, Hoshide Akihiko, Yui Kimiya, Onishi Takuya, and Kanai Norishige.
• In recent years, six JAXA astronauts have retired and are working in different fields: Wakata Koichi, Noguchi Soichi, Mohri Mamoru, Makai Chiaki, Doi Takao, and Yamazaki Naoko.
• In 2025, Astronauts Onishi and Yui are each scheduled to join an expedition crew.
• Meanwhile, in Expedition 69 and 70, the Astronaut Furukawa (Crew 7 mission) was launched on August 26, 2023, and returned on March 12, 2024.

Other JAXA Astronaut Boarding Plan

JAXA Statistics by Planned Launches

(Source: wikipedia.org)

JAXA Statistics: Budget and Workforce

• Budget: JAXA’s annual budget hovers around $2.3 billion (as of 2023). This accounts for roughly 2% of the global space agency budget, placing it behind NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Workforce: JAXA employs over 5,000 people and a dedicated team that works on various space projects.

Launch Vehicles

• H-IIA Rocket: JAXA’s H-IIA rocket has been a reliable workhorse, boasting a success rate of over 97%. This versatile rocket has launched numerous satellites and spacecraft for JAXA and international partners.
• H3 Launch Vehicle: The next generation H3 rocket is designed to be more cost-effective and powerful, representing Japan’s continued investment in space launch capabilities.

Human Spaceflight

• Astronaut Corps: JAXA maintains a highly trained astronaut corps. These astronauts have participated in missions aboard the Space Shuttle and the ISS, conducting valuable research and contributing to the advancement of human spaceflight.

Looking to the Future

• Lunar Gateway: JAXA is looking towards the Moon. They are collaborating on the construction of the Lunar Gateway, a mini-space station that will serve as a critical hub for future lunar exploration missions.
• Martian Dreams: Mars exploration is also on the horizon. JAXA is involved in missions to study the Red Planet and pave the way for future human exploration.

Beyond Numbers: The Impact of JAXA

JAXA’s work extends beyond impressive statistics. Here are some key areas where their impact is felt:

• Disaster Management: JAXA’s Earth observation satellites provide vital data for disaster preparedness and response. Real-time information on weather patterns, floods, and earthquakes allows for better decision-making and saving lives.
• Climate Change Monitoring: JAXA’s satellites play a crucial role in monitoring the effects of climate change, providing data on global warming, deforestation, and rising sea levels.
• Scientific Advancement: JAXA’s space missions contribute significantly to scientific research. Their missions to asteroids and the Moon provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
• Technological Innovation: JAXA’s space endeavors drive technological advancements. The development of rockets, satellites, and spacecraft requires cutting-edge technologies that benefit other sectors, such as communication, navigation, and material science.

Conclusion

JAXA’s story is one of continuous innovation, international collaboration, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. While the numbers paint a clear picture of their achievements, the true impact lies in their contribution to scientific discovery, disaster preparedness, and the dream of a future where humanity reaches for the stars.

Maitrayee Dey

Maitrayee, after completing her graduation in Electrical Engineering, transitioned into the world of writing following a series of technical roles. She specializes in technology and Artificial Intelligence, bringing her experience as an Academic Research Analyst and Freelance Writer, with a focus on education and healthcare under the Australian system. From an early age, writing and painting have been her passions, leading her to pursue a full-time career in writing. In addition to her professional endeavors, Maitrayee also manages a YouTube channel dedicated to cooking.

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