Asia: Japan, China and India
What role do Asian programmes play in microgravity research and manufacturing?
Chapter summary
Japan has the deepest research record and a capsule start-up, China has the largest state return capacity and its own station, and India is building capabilities.
Key takeaways
- 1
JAXA ran about two-thirds of all ISS protein crystal growth experiments and contributed to drug discovery, but its Kibo module retires with the ISS at the end of 2030; ElevationSpace plans Japan's first private re-entry satellite to succeed it.
- 2
China has flown recoverable satellites since 1975, recovered Shijian-19 with about 500 kg of payload in 2024 and operates the Tiangong station continuously.
- 3
India's programme focuses on crewed flight and has begun microgravity experiments.
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