In 2007, Japan launched the Kaguya Orbiter, also known as SELENE, the nation's first lunar satellite. Kaguya entered orbit around the Moon and released two smaller satellites in order to map and study the lunar surface. The orbiter entered successfully entered lunar orbit, and is currently performing its scheduled tasks.JAXA: KAGUYA (SELENE) Transition to Operation Phase (December 21, 2007)

The launch of the Kaguya Orbiter came at a time when Japan was in fierce competition with other Asian countries, chiefly China and India. Kaguya's launch was delayed four years,International Herald Tribune: Japanese lunar probe reaches orbit in a first (October 5, 2007) and pre-dated China's Chang'e 1 launch by only a few weeks.