December 13 updated

The VSOP mission with HALCA achieved a number of remarkable results. The follow-on mission, VSOP-2 by ASTRO-G satellite, was approved as ISAS’s 25th scientific satellite project. With significant improvements in performance, the VSOP-2 will challenge uncharted areas in astronomy.

November 20 updated

On July 4, 2005, the projectile released from NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft collided with comet 9P/Tempel 1. This impact event on a comet, which is the first attempt in the world space exploration history, was observed by many ground-based telescopes. The observation results provide us with many clues for understanding the origin and evolution of the Solar System. In this article, I discuss results of our observation and insights obtained from the results.

November 07 updated

Though digital circuits are dominant today, analog circuits remain important for space systems. The further spread of analog circuitry, however, is hampered by non-standardized design, etc. This article introduces an approach to overcome the situation by establishing an Open-IP scheme to spread analog circuitry utilization and raise their technological level.

July 18 updated

Plasma particles change dynamically in the radiation belts surrounding the Earth. This article introduces the latest research on the mystery of the formation process of the high-energy particles, which sometimes causes satellite anomalies, and a future project to elucidate the mystery using satellites, ground observations, and computer simulation.

June 30 updated

The asteroid explorer HAYABUSA arrived at the asteroid Itokawa on September 12, 2005, after a flight lasting two years and four months. After arriving at Itokawa, the attempt to estimate the asteroid mass was performed using the orbit of HAYABUSA. This is the world's first attempt to estimate the mass of very small asteroid such as Itokawa by spacecraft. This article introduces the orbit of HAYABUSA around Itokawa and the result of the estimation of the asteroid’s mass conducted while overcoming unforeseen troubles.

May 29 updated

In the past, the space environment, particularly microgravity, has been used primarily for materials and life sciences. Currently, however, its use for the fundamental science is expanding. This article introduces the current status of fundamental science using microgravity, provides examples of research on dusty plasmas and dynamics near the critical point, and examines its future prospects including international cooperation.

April 13 updated

On January 22, 2006, we conducted an experiment on mesh-deployment and phased-array antenna. Four satellites deployed the mesh, a valuable method of constructing large-scale structures in space. The experiment was performed as part of a space-engineering education program and most onboard instruments were hand-made by university students.

April 04 updated

The small scientific satellite REIMEI (formerly called INDEX), designed for auroral observations, was launched from the Baikonur Space Center on August 24, 2005. With their merits of low cost and quick launching, small satellites are expected to play an important role in future space development. In this article, we introduce the REIMEI satellite and ongoing auroral observations.

February 22 updated

Numerous fine solid particles called “interstellar dust” float in interstellar space. Knowledge of the location and abundance of this dust is indispensable to understand the universe, and the elucidation of the dust’s actual nature is one of the most important themes in modern astronomy. This article investigates the dust’s actual nature based on past observations. It is expected that the Japanese infrared astronomical satellite, ASTRO-F, to be launched in 2006, will contribute greatly to the advancement of dust research.

February 06 updated

The lunar explorer “SELENE,” planned for launch in 2007, will investigate the lunar gravitational field with the two micro satellites as well as the main satellite, and contribute greatly to elucidation of the internal structure of the Moon. In particular, it will use innovative technology for the first time in the world to observe the Moon’s far side with drastically improved accuracy .

January 11 updated

Many black holes exist in the universe. Using observations by several satellites launched by ISAS, their real identity is being clarified. Unsolved questions remain, however. This article introduces research based on the latest observation results and theory regarding the question of the “medium-sized black hole.”