| Research Section |
Themes |
| High-Energy Astrophisics Department |
- Observational and theoretical academic research on: (1) high-energy astrophysics of collapsed-gravity objects such as neutron stars and black holes, supernova remnants, galaxy clusters, galactic jet systems, etc., by using electromagnetic waves in the X-ray and gamma-ray regions as primary observation method and; (2) physics of extreme-state materials.
- Basic R&D on high-energy object observational systems such as X-ray telescope, X-ray precise spectrometer, and hard X-ray/soft gamma-ray image observation instruments, which are helpful to advance the above research.
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| Infrared Astrophysics Department |
- By using electromagnetic waves in the infrared and sub-millimeter wave regions as primary observation method, (1) research on the early universe from just after the big bang through formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters and; (2) observational and theoretical academic research to investigate formation process of stars and planets.
- Academic research to search for terrestrial planets outside the solar system and for the origin of life.
- Basic R&D on large aperture/lightweight telescope, cooling system, detector, spectrometer/imaging instrument, etc., which are helpful to advance the above research.
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| Space Plasma Physics Department |
- Observational and theoretical research on atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere of earth and planets, and heliosphere in an attempt to elucidate the universality and particularity of earth and planetary environment.
- Research on plasma properties in outer space such as the generation of high-temperature plasma and acceleration mechanism of high-energy particles.
- (1) Basic R&D on next-generation observation technologies including ultra-high temporal resolution, plasma-observation instrument and atmospheric/plasma image observation instrument and; (2) research on data analysis methodology, which are helpful to advance the above research.
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| Planetary Science Department |
- Observational and theoretical research on formation and evolution process of the Moon, a simple terrestrial planet form, including direct and remote exploration of its internal structure and composition of its surface materials in an attempt to elucidate origin and evolution of the solar system.
- Research to study formation and origin of the primitive solar system by conducting: (1) direct exploration of surface materials, etc., of primitive bodies such as asteroids; and (2) research on sample collection and analysis technology.
- Basic research on technical issues with the aim of exploring the internal structure of Mars, Venus, Mercury, etc., in the future.
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| Basic Space Science Department |
- Academic research on the interdisciplinary fields of space science which are not covered by the above four Research Departments.
- Promotion of: (1) research addressing new observational and theoretical challenges in line with advancement of space science; and (2) academic research of budding research fields such as origin of life in the universe.
- R&D on observational and measurement system technology and data processing system which are common to all space science.
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| Space Biology and Microgravity Sciences Department |
- Research on a variety of scientific themes in the fields of material and life sciences, etc., which are effectively conducted by utilizing space environments represented by microgravity. The themes include material process with an aim to creating new materials, understanding the effect of gravity on generation and evolution of life, and the behavior of liquids near critical point.
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| Space Systems and Astronautics Department |
- Academic research on a variety of engineering issues concerning: (1) exploitation of new fields; and (2) study and trial of effective promotion techniques of project research in space activities.
- (1) Research on setting up of flight plan and mission analysis in space flight; and (2) academic research on development of space flight systems such as deep space explorer, highly functional scientific satellite, rocket, and balloon.
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| Space Transportation Engineering Department |
- Engineering research on space transportation.
- As basis of the above research, basic and applied research on: (1) various themes of aerodynamics and gas dynamics; (2) various propulsion-system themes such as chemical and electrical propulsion; and (3) issues fusing with other fields in relation to (1) and (2).
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| Space Structure and Materials Department |
- Research on: (1) structural engineering of entire and sub systems of space-flight vehicles including rocket, satellite, explorer and large-scale space structure; (2) space structure engineering including large deployment structure; and (3) material engineering concerning a variety of materials used in space subsystems such as space-flight vehicle structure and engine.
- Basic and applied research on issues fusing with many fields in relation to the above.
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| Spacecraft Engineering Department |
- Research on electric/electronic engineering and measurement/control engineering related to space-exploration engineering (particularly, basic and applied research on electronics devices for space application, onboard electronics, onboard optical sensors, power-supply systems for spacecraft, attitude and orbital control of spacecraft, guidance control system, navigation, guidance and control system of space robots, electronic instrumentation of spacecraft and rockets).
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| Space Information and Energy Department |
- Academic research on information transmission/processing and energy source concerning space exploration.
- Basic and applied research on tracking of space flight vehicles, radio navigation, optical navigation, measurement in outer space, explorer communication systems and equipment, space solar-energy power generation, remote sensing, etc.
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| Graduate Student Education Center |
- Promotion of educational exchanges including promotion of cooperation with graduate schools, in which educational staff at ISAS research departments and centers respond to requests from universities.
- Communication and arrangement with external entities on graduate school education cooperation on behalf of JAXA.
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| Center for Planning and Information Systems |
- Collection of observational data from scientific satellites/explorers and promotion of the wide utilization of such data by researchers in Japan and abroad.
- Development and handling of science database and research on data-analysis methodology.
- Operation of super computer for space science research by inter-university research institute system, and R&D of large-scale computer simulation methodology.
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| Scientific Balloon Center |
- Research on development and actual application of large balloons, high-altitude balloons, and balloon observation operational system in order to conduct scientific observations and engineering experiments.
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