Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, commonly known as JAXA, is Japan's national aerospace and space agency. Here is a detailed overview:
History
Objectives and Missions
- Develop and launch satellites for various purposes including communications, meteorology, and earth observation.
- Conduct space exploration missions, with notable projects like the Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 missions to asteroids.
- Research in aeronautics to improve aircraft design and safety.
- Advance space science and technology, contributing to international space projects like the International Space Station (ISS).
Major Projects and Achievements
- Hayabusa Missions: JAXA's Hayabusa spacecraft was the first to return samples from an asteroid (Itokawa) to Earth in 2010. Hayabusa2 followed suit, successfully returning samples from Ryugu in 2020.
- SELENE (Kaguya): A lunar orbiter mission launched in 2007, providing high-resolution imagery and data about the moon's surface.
- Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS): Also known as Daichi, these satellites provide detailed earth observation data for disaster management, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring.
- International Space Station: Japan's contribution includes the Kibo module, a multi-functional space laboratory.
Facilities
International Cooperation
JAXA actively collaborates with other space agencies, notably:
Sources
Related Topics