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Cutting-edge small satellite developed in-house

The "Reimei" (INDEX) is a small scientific satellite that was launched as a piggyback on the Dnepr Launch Vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Republic of Kazakhstan at 6:10 a.m. on August 24, 2005 (Japan Standard Time.)
REIMEI will perform in-orbit demonstrations of cuttingedge satellite technology over a brief period of time, it will carry onboard instruments for physical observation suitable for a small satellite, aimed at obtaining the world's most advanced scientific results. Since the satellite is small, it was made in-house by JAXA. Moreiver, launch casts will be much lower than those of conventional scientific satellites because REIMEI will ride piggy-back on a large rockets by making use of the excess capacity.

Actively verifying latest engineering technology and observing auroras through scientific observation methods

Not all scientific missions require a large-size scientific satellite. In the astronomical satellite field, small satellites are not popular as an aperture of a telescope must be installed. On the other hand, for plasma magnetosphere missions, scientists are increasingly interested in small satellites as they can achieve meaningful missions. In the case of engineering missions, scientists are looking for a swift verification method for a new technology. In order to answer these needs, the REIMEI aims to verify the high-performance and high-accuracy attitude control for a small satellite.

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