JAXA (国立研究開発法人宇宙航空研究開発機構, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is a government company that provides aerospace development and utilization services in the aerospace field. It is engaged in space exploration, international cooperation, public relations activities, collaboration with industries, and educational activities. The company was formed as a result of a merger between the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).