Frequently Asked Questions About JAXA
- Q1
- What does JAXA stand for?
- A1
- JAXA stands for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
On October 1, 2003, an independent administrative institution, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), was established through the integration of 1) the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), committed to the development of large-size launch vehicles such as the H-IIA, satellites and the International Space Station; 2) the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), devoted to space and planetary research; and 3) the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), dedicated to research and the development of next-generation aerospace technologies.
This integration into one group allows a continuous and systematic approach from basic research to practical application under one roof.
- Q2
- What does JAXA do?
- A2
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilization.
JAXA's main activities are:
- Academic research in space science through joint research or other collaboration with universities.
- Basic research on space science technology, aeronautical science technology, and the development of platform technologies for space and aviation.
- Development of satellites and launch vehicles for satellites.
- Launch, tracking and operation of satellites.
- Propagating JAXA's achievements.
- Sharing JAXA's facilities and equipment.
- Training of researchers and engineers, and enhancing their skills.
- Support for university education.
- Q3
- What does the JAXA logo symbolize?
- A3
- JAXA's logo symbolizes the letter "A" from "Aerospace" in the shape of a star. A star represents "hope," "pride" and "a mind of quest," and acts as a guidepost showing us the way. The star in the JAXA logo represents our wish to become a guiding star not only for Japanese people but also for all humanity on Earth.
- Q4
- How many people work for JAXA?
- A4
- JAXA has 1,594 regular staff members as of FY 2009. In addition, many domestic and overseas researchers, graduate students and people from the private sector are also hired.
- Q5
- Where are the JAXA exhibition sites and facilities to tour and what do they offer?
- A5
- There are many Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) facilities with exhibition spaces and some science museums have corners for JAXA exhibitions. They offer easy-to-understand explanations on the most advanced, high-technology, such as the current status of Japanese aerospace research and development, and future technology using video, models, and actual equipment.
- Q6
- I'd like to know about JAXA's recruiting system and work conditions.
- A6
- Please refer to the recruit information page for the employment examination, JAXA's work conditions and recruiting positions.
Our working language is Japanese, so you are required to have Japanese ability to understand our recruit information page in Japanese.
