Two Japanese astronauts are expected to land on the moon as early as in 2028 as part of the US-led Artemis lunar exploration program and become the first non-Americans to set foot on the celestial body. 

Officials said the arrangement was agreed on between NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Japan's science minister Moriyama Masahito in Washington on April 9. 

Under the accord, Japan will provide a crewed pressurized rover being developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Toyota Motor. 

The vehicle that can also function as living quarters will be operational for 10 years. 

In exchange, the United States will offer an opportunity for two Japanese astronauts to take part in the lunar expedition. 

Artemis aims for human landing on the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. 

The program will enable Japanese astronauts to become the first non-Americans to set foot on the celestial body. 

Japanese officials said the specific timing and other details will be worked out in talks with NASA and others involved in the project.