May 28, 2009 Updated
IBUKI analyzed greenhouse gas density for first time
JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Ministry of the Environment acquired analysis results of the density of CO2 and methane in the fine weather areas on the ground for the first time from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI," which is currently under initial calibration and verification operations. As a result of the analysis, we found that the density data was mostly consistent with the conventional data observed on the ground: the density is high in the Northern Hemisphere and low in the Southern Hemisphere. We will further calibrate and verify the data, and publish and distribute the observation data and analyses when they are ready. (Image: JAXA/NIES/MOE)
May 21, 2009 Updated
KAGUYA to be dropped onto the moon's surface on June 11 as observations completed
The KAGUYA, who carried out its regular operations for about 10 months and post-operational observations for about 7 and half months, is scheduled to be maneuvered to be dropped around 80.4 degrees east longitude and 65.5 degrees south latitude on the moon's front-side surface at 3:25 a.m. on June 11 (Japan Standard Time.) As the KAGUYA's expected landing position is in the shade on the Moon, we many be able to witness some flash from its collision; therefore, we are now informing all related organizations both in Japan and overseas of its falling time and location.* Based on the latest analysis of the orbit as of June 10, we updated the KAGUYA's falling location.
* Please note that the KAGUYA's falling time and location are subject to change as we further analyze its orbit and conditions.
May 11, 2009 Updated
JAXA Spring Events: Open-House at JAXA Facilities
Many more JAXA spring events are coming up! The Earth Observation Center (EOC) (Hatoyama-machi, Saitama Pref.) will have an open-house on Sat., May 16th. Many events such as a hand-made rocket launch and an Eco rally await you. There will also be open-house events at the Okinawa Tracking and Communication Station (Onna-son, Okinawa Pref.) on Sat., May 23rd, and at the Masuda Tracking and Control Station (Nakatane-cho, Kagoshima Pref.) on Sun., May 31st.
As the days get hotter and summer is just around the corner, please take measures to avoid heat stroke when visiting our facilities.