The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is Japan's national organization responsible for space exploration and research. Established in 2003, it combines the efforts of several previous organizations to advance Japan's capabilities in space technology, satellite development, and scientific research. JAXA conducts various missions, including launching satellites, exploring celestial bodies, and participating in international space projects. JAXA is known for its innovative projects, such as the Hayabusa missions, which successfully returned samples from asteroids, and its involvement in the International Space Station (ISS). The agency also focuses on Earth observation, climate research, and developing new technologies for future space exploration.