Establishment of the new Japanese aerospace agency

The new Japanese aerospace agency was established on October 1, 2003, merging the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).The official English name, "Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)", represents our enthusiasm not only for exploration but also for broader activities including research and development by the use of the word "exploration". In the new logo, "A" for "Aerospace" is designed as a star to symbolize "hope", "pride", and an "exploratory mind", and to signify a guidepost pointing to our future. It reflects our hope for JAXA to be a star of Japan and for all of human society, as well as to shine brightly.