Underneath the bustling metropolis of Tokyo lies a hub of cosmic dreams. Right here stands the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. What exactly makes this place tick? Let’s uncover the story behind Japan’s gateway to the stars.
JAXA’s story began on October 1 2003. It was born from the merger of three independent organizations. These were the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science ISAS. Also the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan NAL. And the National Space Development Agency of Japan NASDA. JAXA inherited the missions and expertise of all three. Its mission is to explore space and advance aerospace technology.
Before the merger ISAS focused on space and planetary research. NAL concentrated on aviation research. NASDA developed rockets and satellites. NASDA also trained Japanese astronauts for the US Space Shuttles. Each agency brought unique strengths to the new organization.
JAXA’s responsibilities are vast and varied. It handles research and tech development. JAXA launches satellites into orbit. It explores asteroids. JAXA even contemplates human missions to the Moon. JAXA’s motto sums up its ambition. It is One JAXA. Its slogan captures its spirit. Explore to Realize.
JAXA operates several research centers across Japan. Its headquarters are in Chofu Tokyo. Centers like Noshiro Testing Center test rocket engines. The Tsukuba Space Center is the heart of Japan’s space network. Tanegashima Space Center is the launch site for the H-IIA and H3 rockets.
Over the years JAXA has achieved many milestones. In 1970 Japan launched its first satellite Ohsumi. ISAS achieved success in X-ray astronomy. NASDA excelled in communication satellite technology. JAXA was awarded the Space Foundation’s John L. Jack Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration in 2008.
JAXA uses various rockets for its missions. The H-IIA is a medium-lift launch vehicle. The H3 is a new medium-lift vehicle. The Epsilon rocket handles smaller launches. JAXA also uses sounding rockets for upper atmosphere experiments.
JAXA has ventured beyond Earth’s orbit. The Sakigake and Suisei spacecraft observed Halley’s Comet in 1985. The Nozomi Mars orbiter launched in 1998. The Hayabusa mission returned samples from asteroid Itokawa in 2010. Hayabusa2 brought back samples from asteroid Ryugu in 2020.
JAXA launched the lunar orbiter Kaguya also known as SELENE in 2007. In 2023 JAXA launched its first lunar surface mission SLIM. It successfully soft landed in January 2024.
JAXA participates in international collaborations. It provided instruments for ESA’s JUICE mission to Jupiter. JAXA is reviewing a sample return mission to Phobos called MMX. JAXA collaborates with NASA on Earth observation and rainfall measurement missions.
JAXA launched the Akari infrared astronomy satellite in 2006. It launched the Suzaku X-ray astronomy mission in 2005. JAXA’s Hinode spacecraft observes the Sun. JAXA launched the HALCA mission for space VLBI observations.
JAXA tests new space technologies. It launched the ETS-VIII and WINDS missions for communication technology tests. JAXA launched the OICETS and INDEX experimental satellites.
JAXA launched the GOSAT satellite to monitor carbon dioxide. It launched the GCOM series of Earth observation satellites. JAXA launches satellites for other agencies. These include weather observation satellites.
JAXA’s journey is far from over. It plans future missions to asteroids the Moon and Mars. JAXA is developing supersonic transport technology. It explores reusable launch vehicles.
As we stand here at JAXA we see more than buildings and technology. We witness a spirit of innovation and determination. JAXA’s quest to explore and realize pushes the boundaries of human achievement. The future of space exploration is being written here in Tokyo.