Leaders from the United States and Japan will gather in Houston, Texas, on December 2, 2025, for the U.S.-Japan Space Forum. The event, held at Rice University, will focus on the next phase of orbital infrastructure, specifically the development of Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLDs) that will succeed the International Space Station (ISS).
The forum aims to strengthen the long-standing space alliance between the two nations by bringing together key figures from government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions to map out the future of human presence in LEO.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum will take place on December 2, 2025, at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
- The central theme is the transition from the International Space Station to new Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLDs).
- The event will feature leaders from NASA, JAXA, and major aerospace companies like Axiom Space, Starlab/Voyager, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- Discussions will cover technical challenges, economic impacts, and opportunities for enhanced U.S.-Japan collaboration in space.
- Attendance is free, but registration is required by November 25, 2025.
Forum to Address Post-ISS Era in Low Earth Orbit
The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum is scheduled to take place at a pivotal moment for international space exploration. With the International Space Station nearing the end of its operational life, the global space community is shifting its focus toward a new model of commercially operated platforms in Low Earth Orbit.
This event will serve as a critical platform for stakeholders from both the U.S. and Japan to discuss this transition. The primary goal is to build upon the successful partnership forged through the ISS program and apply those lessons to the emerging commercial space economy. The forum will be held at the Hudspeth Auditorium within Rice University's Anderson-Clarke Center.
Background: The U.S.-Japan Space Alliance
The United States and Japan have a multi-decade history of collaboration in space, most notably through the International Space Station. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been a key partner, contributing the Kibo laboratory module. As NASA transitions to supporting commercial stations, maintaining and evolving this partnership is a top priority for ensuring a continued human presence and research capabilities in orbit.
Key Themes for Discussion
The agenda for the forum is structured around the practical and strategic challenges of creating a sustainable commercial ecosystem in LEO. Organizers have outlined several key themes that will guide the conversations among government, industry, and academic leaders.
Transitioning from the ISS
A significant portion of the discussion will center on the legacy of the International Space Station. Participants will analyze lessons learned from over two decades of continuous international cooperation in orbit. The focus will be on identifying successful frameworks that can be adapted for future commercial space stations, ensuring a smooth transition of research and operations.
Technical and Economic Hurdles
Realizing commercially viable orbital destinations presents numerous challenges. The forum will address these directly, with panels dedicated to the technical complexities of designing, building, and operating private space stations. Furthermore, discussions will explore the societal and economic impacts of these new platforms, including market creation, supply chain development, and return on investment.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM ā 6:30 PM Central Time
- Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
- Venue: Anderson-Clarke Center, Hudspeth Auditorium
- Cost: Free with registration
Industry Leaders to Share Insights
The forum will feature speakers and representatives from the vanguard of the commercial space industry. This gathering provides a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the companies actively developing the next generation of orbital habitats and laboratories.
Prominent organizations expected to participate include:
- Axiom Space: A Houston-based company currently building the world's first commercial space station, with its initial modules planned to attach to the ISS.
- Starlab/Voyager: A joint venture developing the Starlab commercial space station, designed to support science and research in LEO.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: A major Japanese industrial firm with extensive experience in aerospace technology, including contributions to the ISS and H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV).
- LEO Shachu: A Japanese entity focused on advancing commercial activities in Low Earth Orbit.
The involvement of these companies, alongside government agencies like NASA and JAXA, underscores the collaborative public-private approach that will define the future of space infrastructure.
"The cooperation between the United States and Japan has been fundamental to the success of the International Space Station. This forum is essential for charting the course of that partnership into the commercial era, ensuring our shared commitment to innovation and exploration continues for decades to come."
Participation and Registration Information
The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum is open to professionals and students from the aerospace industry, government, and academia. The event is designed to foster networking and collaboration among current and future leaders in the space sector.
Attendance is free of charge, but advance registration is mandatory. Interested individuals must complete the registration form by the deadline of November 25, 2025. The forum will be held from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Rice University's campus in Houston, a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry.
This program offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the key decision-makers and innovators who are actively shaping the next chapter of human activity in space.