On July 6, 2026, Singapore's National Space Agency (NSAS) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed their first bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation at the Spacetide 2026 conference in Tokyo. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in space technology development, space science, exploration, industry development, education, and policy exchanges.

The signing was conducted by NSAS chief executive Ngiam Le Na and JAXA president Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa. The agreement follows commitments made earlier in the year by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Under the agreement, the two agencies will exchange information and explore joint opportunities. They also exchanged letters on business and industrial promotion cooperation under JAXA’s Co-funded Business Promotion Framework (CBPF), with Singapore becoming the third partner country after the United Kingdom and France.

NSAS emphasized the importance of strong international partnerships to unlock opportunities for its growing space ecosystem. Dr Yamakawa highlighted the milestone as Japan and Singapore mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The agencies expressed hopes to deepen cooperation, foster innovation, and contribute to the safe and sustainable use of outer space amid the increasing complexity of satellite constellations.

Sources