Aeronautic Research

One of the chief tasks of space science is to observe distant galaxies and stars. Learning about outer space could prove to be the key to finding out how space, stars and planets were born. Another top priority is unraveling the mysteries at the extreme limits of outer space, such as black holes and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.
To study these space mysteries through astronomical observation, we need to use not just telescopes on Earth, but also X-rays and infrared rays. Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs these rays, we need perform these observations from outer space.
The Space Science Department has launched an astronomical satellite equipped with the following observational equipment to catch X-rays, infrared rays, and radio waves:

Solar Physics Satellite "HINODE"(SOLAR-B)
The "HINODE" (SOLAR-B) is the successor to the orbiting solar observatory YOHKOH (SOLAR-A) to explore the mysteries and mechanisms of the solar corona phenomena and other mechanisms.

Infrared Imaging Satellite "AKARI"(ASTRO-F)
The "AKARI" (ASTRO-F) is an infrared-ray astronomical satellite that aims to understand how galaxies were formed and evolved into what we see now.

X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Suzaku"(ASTRO-EII)
The "SUZAKU" (ASTRO-EII), the fifth in a series of Japanese X-ray astronomy satellites, is under development through international cooperation to observe high-energy processes in the Universe.

Radio Astronomical Satellite "ASTRO-G"
Radio Astronomical Satellite enables high-resolution celestial observations through its onboard radio telescope.

X-ray Astronomy Satellite "ASTRO-H"
The ASTRO-H is the sixth X-ray observation satellite that will explore the extreme universe that is abundant with high energy phenomena around black holes and supernova explosions, and observe a cluster of galaxies filled with high-temperature plasma.

Atmosphere and Plasma

Plasma around the Earth is closely related to the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. We sometimes encounter them as Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and magnetic storms.
What kind of relationship does the wind from the Sun have with the magnetic field of the Earth? How do phenomena such as the Northern Lights and magnetic storms emerge? Studying the relationship between plasma and the magnetic field can give us important information about the environment of the Earth, our home.

Aurora Observation Satellite "Akebono"(EXOS-D)
The "AKEBONO" (EXOS-D) is an aurora observation satellite that investigates the magnetospheric phenomena associated with the acceleration process of aurora particles, and the flow and momentum of energy from the Sun through geospace.

Magnetosheric Observation Satellite (GEOTAIL)
The "GEOTAIL" is a satellite to study the structure and dynamics of Earth's magnetotail. It is a collaborative project between Japan and the United States.