TOP > Our Enterprises > Missions > Infrared Astronomy AKARI (ASTRO-F)
- open new windowAKARI Project Site
Mission Profile
| Name (pre-launch in parentheses) | AKARI (ASTRO-F) | |
|---|---|---|
| International Designation Code | 2006-005A | |
| Objectives |
|
|
| Launch | Date | 06:28, February 22, 2006 (JST) |
| Location | Uchinoura Space Center (USC) | |
| Launch Vehicle | ||
| Configuration | Weight | Approx. 952 kg (at launch) |
| Dimensions | 1.9m x 1.9m x 3.2m 5.5m (at deployment of the solar paddles)  [Click image for enlargement] |
|
| Orbit | Altitude | 700 km |
| Inclination | 98.2° | |
| Type of Orbit | Sun-synchronous polar orbit | |
| Period | 100 min | |
| Scientific Instruments | Ritchey-Chretien reflection telescope with 68.5 cm aperture and 4,200 mm focal length Two types of observation instruments installed on the telescope's focal point: FIS (Far-Infrared Surveyor) to observe far-infrared; and near-infrared/mid-infrared camera IRC (InfraRed Camera) Liquid helium and Stirling-cycle mechanical refrigerator to cool observation instruments |
|
| End of Operation | November 24, 2011 | |
| Operation | During post-launch functional checkups, the two-dimensional solar sensor (NSAS), etc., were seen to be behaving unexpectedly. After careful review of operational procedures, we modified the satellite's onboard software to ensure complete attitude control and then performed the operation check test. At 16:55 on April 16, 2006 (JST), we opened the telescope lid (release of aperture lid) and confirmed by telemetry signals from the satellite that the operation had been completed successfully. Since then, both electric power and attitude are stable and observation is now conducted without problems. After liquid Helium boil-off in August 2007, AKARI continues observations with the Near-Infrared insturument. |
|
| Results | In May 2006, we released the first results including the first clear image of the star-birthing region by successful high-resolution observation far exceeding conventional infrared images. In March 2007, the scientific results obtained by AKARI were first presented in the annual spring meeting of the Astronomical Society of Japan. In October 2007, AKARI initial results are published in the special issure of the Publication of the Astronomical Society of Japan. |
|
- What is Mysterious Far-Infrared Radiation Detected by AKARI? (The Forefront of Space Science:November 2011)
- AKARI's Mid-IR All-Sky Survey (The Forefront of Space Science:April 2011)
- The True Face of Comets Illuminated by AKARI (The Forefront of Space Science:January 2010)
- Exploring Fine Solid Particles Distributed in Vast Outer Space (The Forefront of Space Science:December 2005)
- open new windowDramatic Birth and Death of Stars (JAXA Column)