May 28, 2006 Updated
"Daichi" observed earthquake stricken area in the central Java, Indonesia
The Advanced Earth Observing Satellite "Daichi" (ALOS) observed central Java, the Republic of Indonesia, which was severely stricken by an earthquake on May 27, and the data has been provided to the International Charter "Space and Major Disaster" and the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia. (The images are the area near Yogyakarta airport before and after the earthquake.) The "Daichi" has been in a calibration phase to be ready for regular operations starting this October. It has been providing observation data, including the data on Mount Merapi, Indonesia, which had been showing signs of volcanic activity since the end of April and the flooded area in northern Thailand the other day, to related organizations- -Press release
- Earthquake Stricken Area in central Java, Indonesia Observed by Advanced Land Observing Satellite "Daichi" (ALOS) (May 28, 2006)
Flood in Northern Thailand Observed by Advanced Land Observing Satellite "Daichi" (ALOS) (May 25, 2006)
Mount Merapi (Java, Indonesia) Observed by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite "Daichi" (Report #2)
(May 16, 2006)
Mount Merapi (Java, Indonesia) Observed by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite "Daichi" (April 29, 2006) - - Satellite Navigator
- - Earth Observation Center
- - Earth Observation Research Center
May 23, 2006 Updated
Commencement of "Akari" Observations
JAXA has confirmed the expected on-orbit performance of the infrared astronomical satellite "Akari"(ASTRO-F,) which was launched in February this year, during test observations, and started its regular operations. There is a telescope and two types of infrared observation equipment aboard the "Akari" for observing the entire sky spanning a large wavelength range from the near-infrared to the far-infrared. The test observations proved the drastic improvements in resolution compared to the conventional infrared observation satellites, thus we are expecting new infrared maps of the Universe by infrared rays and exciting discoveries in the evolution and origin of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. (The image is the near-mid-infrared image of Spiral Galaxy M81.)- -Press release
-Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Scientific Satellite "ASTRO-F"
-Feature article: Japanese first infrared astronomical satellite "Akari" (ASTRO-F)
May 8, 2006 Updated
Astronaut Takao Doi selected to ride in Space Shuttle for second time
On May 5 (Eastern Daylight Saving Time), Minister Kosaka of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and NASA Administrator Griffin had a meeting in Washington DC, and selected Astronaut Takao Doi as a onboard crew member for the Space Shuttle mission for the first launch of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" (the External Logistic Module Pressurized Section) to the International Space Station (ISS.) The launch is currently scheduled for the end of 2007. Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki was also selected as a crew support astronaut for the same mission.The crew support astronaut will assist Astronaut Doi throughout the training for the mission.