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Johnson Space Center Sparks Curiosity at Houston’s 33rd Annual Japan Festival
NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) exhibited at Houston's 33rd Annual Japan Festival on September 12-13, 2026. The event highlighted current space missions and the partnership between the two agencies.
Why it matters
Public engagement events introduce students and citizens to aerospace careers and the practical collaboration required for international lunar exploration.
The big picture
The partnership between NASA and JAXA complements the broader expansion of international cooperation seen with Albania joining the Artemis Accords.
The details
NASA showcased the upcoming Artemis III mission and Moon Base plans, while JAXA displayed images of a pressurized rover for lunar exploration. Attendees were also able to try on real astronaut gloves and helmets.
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In this article
Key connections
Brendan King works at Johnson Space Center
software engineer for Johnson’s Flight Dynamics Division
Akihiko Hoshide works at JAXA
JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide
reflecting the long-standing partnership between NASA and JAXA
JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), displayed a model of the HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft
Japan is related to Artemis Accords
Japan’s signing of the Artemis Accords
Kibo is related to International Space Station
Kibo laboratory aboard the space station
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